JP2021074049A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving player's desire to play.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a display device 813 for displaying a performance image on a display area 814; and a design member 150, wherein the design member 150 has a projection 822 projecting furthermore inside than an outer edge of the display area 814 in front of the display device 813, and has a shape toward the outside of the display area 814 as approaching backward from the projection 822, so as to improve player's desire to play.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 46

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

As a game machine, a slot machine provided with a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, a start lever, a stop button, and the like is known. In the slot machine, when it is detected that the start lever is operated after the game medium (medal) is bet, the rotation of a plurality of reels starts. Further, when it is detected that the stop button provided corresponding to each reel has been operated, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop button is stopped. At this time, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the effective line to be paid out, a predetermined number of medals are paid out, and the player is given a game benefit.

Further, as a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine provided with a gaming board, a launching device, and the like is known. In the pachinko gaming machine, a game medium (game ball) is launched into a game area provided on the front of the game board, and the game ball enters the winning opening provided in the game area, and the player is given a game. The above benefits are given.

In such a gaming machine, a design member for decorating the appearance of the gaming machine is provided. It may be desirable to increase the design member to some extent in order to enhance the design of the gaming machine or due to the size of parts (for example, lighting parts, speakers, etc.) provided inside the design member. ..

JP-A-2018-175466

By the way, in a gaming machine, it is required to improve a player's motivation to play.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving a player's willingness to play.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention
It is equipped with a display device for displaying an effect image in a display area and a design member.
The design member has a projecting portion that protrudes inward from the outer edge of the display area in front of the display device, and has a shape that extends toward the outside of the display area as it goes backward from the projecting portion. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, the design member is enlarged and a protrusion is formed in front of the display device so as to protrude inward from the outer edge of the display area, so that the protrusion covers a part of the display area. Even in such a case, since the shape behind the protruding portion is directed to the outside of the display area, it is possible to prevent the player's visible range from being narrowed. Therefore, the visible range of the player can be widened, and the player's willingness to play can be improved. In addition, since it is possible to increase the size of the design member while securing a visible area for the player, it is possible to enhance the decorativeness of the game machine and to arrange a large speaker with excellent sound inside the design member. It becomes possible to improve the player's motivation to play.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the player's willingness to play can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the design member from the front side. The same is a schematic view showing a part of the upper door seen from the left. The same is a schematic view showing a part of the upper door seen from the left, and is a view showing a modified example. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The same is a view of the game board viewed from the front side. It is the figure which looked at the design member from the front side. The design member is also shown, and is a schematic side view seen from the P direction shown in FIG. 7. The design member is also shown, and is a schematic side view seen from the Q direction shown in FIG. A sub-board unit that can be used in the gaming machine of the present invention is shown, (a) is a view seen from the back side, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in (a). is there. The same shows a sub-board, which is a view (plan view) seen from the back side. Similarly, the volume control switch is shown, (a) is a view (plan view) seen from the back side, and (b) is a view of the housing of the volume control switch seen from the back side. The same is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. 10 (a). The same is a perspective view of the volume control switch as viewed from the rear side. The same is a view (plan view) of the volume control switch as viewed from the rear side. A liquid crystal unit that can be used in the gaming machine of the present invention is shown, and is a perspective view seen from the front. The same is an exploded perspective view. The same is a perspective view of the liquid crystal module of the liquid crystal unit as viewed from the rear side. The same is a view (plan view) of the liquid crystal control substrate of the liquid crystal unit as viewed from the rear side. It is the figure which looked at the liquid crystal control board from the side. The same is a view of the liquid crystal control board viewed from the back side, and is a diagram showing a state in which wiring is connected to the connector. The same is a view of the liquid crystal control board viewed from the back side, and is a diagram showing a mounting prohibited area. The same is a view (plan view) of the liquid crystal control substrate as viewed from the rear side. An example of the configuration of the sub-board unit of the gaming machine according to the present invention is shown, (a) is a schematic view (plan view) seen from the back side, and (b) is a VV line shown in (a). It is a schematic cross-sectional view of, (c) is a schematic view (plan view) which looked at the sub-board from the back side. The same is a schematic view (plan view) of the sub-board unit viewed from the back side, in which (a) is a view showing a state in which the opening of the connector and the end of the case coincide with each other, and (b). Is a diagram showing a modified example of (a), and (c) is a diagram showing a case where a male connector is connected to the state of (b). The same is a schematic view (plan view) of the sub-board unit viewed from the back side, and is a diagram showing another configuration example. The same is a schematic view (plan view) of the sub-board unit viewed from the back side, and is a diagram showing another configuration example. The same is a schematic view (plan view) of the sub-board unit viewed from the rear side, showing another configuration example, and (a) is a view showing a state in which the case does not exist directly above the connector. Yes, (b) is a diagram showing a modified example of (a). The same is a schematic view (plan view) of the sub-board unit viewed from the back side, and is a diagram showing another configuration example. It is a figure which shows the surface of the wiring means which can be used in the gaming machine of this invention on the side which faces a substrate. Another example of the sub-board unit that can be used in the gaming machine of the present invention is shown, (a) is a view seen from the back side, and (b) is the U-U line shown in (a). It is a schematic cross-sectional view. (A) is an enlarged view of the S portion in FIG. 31 (a), and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the WW line shown in FIG. 32 (a). The same is a schematic cross-sectional view of the TT line shown in FIG. 31 (a). It is a figure which shows the modification of the schematic cross-sectional view of the sub-board shown in FIG. The gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention is shown, (a) is a view of the housing with the front door removed from the front, and (b) is the main back box board unit and It is an exploded perspective view which showed the bracket and was seen from the front side. The same is a view of the main back box board unit viewed from the front side. Similarly, (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the line CC shown in FIG. 36, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the line DD shown in FIG. 36. The same is a view of the main back box board unit viewed from the back side. The same is a perspective view of the case of the main back box substrate unit as viewed from the rear side. Similarly, (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the line HU shown in FIG. 38, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the line HI shown in FIG. 38. A gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown, (a) is a perspective view of a liquid crystal display device and a reel unit as viewed from the front side, and (b) is a liquid crystal display device and a reel unit. It is a perspective view seen from the back side. The same shows the lighting board unit and its peripheral parts, and is an exploded perspective view seen from the front side. The same is a perspective view of the heat sink of the lighting board unit as viewed from the front side. The same is for explaining how heat is transferred in the lighting board unit, and is an exploded perspective view seen from the front side. It shows the gaming machine which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention, and is the front view of the upper door. The same is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display and the design member as viewed from above. It shows the gaming machine which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which looked at the gaming board from the front side. The same is a front view of the gaming machine. The same is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 38. A gaming machine according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown, and is a view of a substrate viewed from a direction perpendicular to a plate surface.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment 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 in the first embodiment, other gaming machines may be used. In the following explanation, "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 "upper and lower" means the slot. The upper surface side of the machine means "upper", the lower surface side means "lower", 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.
In the present invention, within the scope of the invention, it is possible to freely combine each embodiment, modify any component of each embodiment, or omit any component in each embodiment. ..

As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine (game machine) 100 of the present invention opens and closes a box-shaped housing 111 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 111. It is provided with a front door 112 to be used. The housing 111 houses a reel unit 130 in which a rotatable first reel 131, a second reel 132, and a third reel 133 are unitized, a hopper device for paying out medals, and the like. Further, the front door 112 is divided into an upper door 112a and a lower door 112b, and the upper door 112a and the lower door 112b can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 111, respectively.

The upper door 112a is provided with a liquid crystal display 113, a device for producing an effect such as a speaker 114, and a display window 115. Images (moving images, still images) for various effects are displayed on the liquid crystal display 113. Sounds for various effects (music, sound effects, voice, etc.) are output from the speaker 114. As the device for producing, in addition to the liquid crystal display 113 and the speaker 114, an illumination device (lighting device) such as a lamp (LED), a movable accessory that can be operated by an actuator, or the like may be provided.

At the back of the display window 115, a reel unit 130 is arranged so that a part thereof can be visually recognized from the outside of the display window 115. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel 131, the second reel 132, and the third reel 133, and are displayed when the reels 131, 132, and 133 are stopped. Three consecutive symbols are displayed per reel through the window 115. Further, the display window 115 is provided with upper, middle, and lower display positions for visually recognizing the symbols of the reels 131, 132, and 133, depending on the combination of the display positions of the reels 131, 132, and 133. 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 131, the middle stage of the second reel 132, and the middle stage of the third reel 133. 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 100, the reels 131, 132, and 133 start 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 131, 132, 133 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 112b has a medal insertion slot 121 for inserting medals, a MAX bet button (bet button) 122 for betting a credited medal, a start lever 123 operated when starting a game, and a rotating one. A stop button 124 for stopping each reel 131, 132, 133, a payout port 125 for paying out medals by a hopper device, a medal tray 126 for receiving medals paid out from the payout port 125, and the like are provided. Further, behind the medal insertion slot 121, a medal sensor for detecting the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 121 is provided. Further, the lower door 112b is provided with an effect button 128. The effect button 128 includes, for example, a push switch and a rotary switch (jog dial), and is configured to be capable of pressing and rotating operations. When the effect button 128 is operated, the mode of the effect changes, which improves the enjoyment of the game.

In the slot machine 100, the operation of the start lever 123 is enabled by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 121 or by operating the MAX bet button 122 to bet a predetermined number of medals. Further, when the activated start lever 123 is operated, the game is started. When the game is started, each reel 131, 132, 133 starts rotating, and when the rotation speed of each reel 131, 132, 133 reaches a constant speed and becomes a steady rotation, the operation of the stop button 124 is enabled. Reel. Further, when the activated stop button 124 is operated, the reels 131, 132, and 133 corresponding to the operated stop button 124 are stopped.

Inside the slot machine 100, a main control board (main board) and a sub control board (sub board) are provided. The main control board receives input signals from input means such as a MAX bet button 122, a start lever 123, a stop button 124, and a medal sensor, performs various calculations for executing a game, and a reel unit based on the calculation results. It controls the output means such as 130 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 113 and the speaker 114 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.

On the left side of the upper door 112a, a design member 150 having a plurality of symbol portions (for example, symbol portion 101, symbol portion 102, symbol portion 103, symbol portion 104 and symbol portion 105: see FIG. 2) is provided. However, the position where the design member 150 is provided is not limited to this position, and may be any position on the front door 112. For example, the design member 150 may be provided above the liquid crystal display 113 (top lens).

In the present embodiment, the symbol portions 101 to 105 project toward the front side (player side). Further, identification information is represented by the shape of the front surface (tip surface) of each of the symbol portions 101 to 105. The identification information is characters, figures, symbols, and the like. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, one symbol part represents one character, but for example, one symbol part represents two or more characters, or a combination of characters and symbols. It may represent.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a portion where the design member 150 is provided.
The symbol units 101 to 105 form a series of notification information (character strings). In the present embodiment, the symbol units 101 to 105 form a series of notification information that "the leading role is XX"("XX" represents the name of the character or the like). Specifically, one character "main" is represented by the shape of the tip surface of the symbol portion 101. Further, one character "role" is represented by the shape of the tip surface of the symbol portion 102. Further, one character "ha" is represented by the shape of the tip surface of the symbol portion 103. Further, one character "○" is represented by the shape of the tip surface of the symbol portion 104. Further, one character "○" is represented by the shape of the tip surface of the symbol portion 105.

The symbol portions 101 to 103 are provided so as to be arranged in the left-right direction. Further, below the symbol portions 101 to 103, the symbol portion 104 and the symbol portion 105 are provided so as to be arranged in this order in the vertical direction.
The symbol units 101 to 105 include those having different sizes of identification information (characters). Specifically, the character size of the symbol unit 103 is formed to be the smallest, and the character size of the symbol unit 104 is formed to be the largest. Further, the symbol units 101 and 102 have the same character size, and their character sizes are formed so as to be larger than the symbol unit 103 and smaller than the symbol units 104 and 105. Further, the character size of the symbol portion 105 is formed so as to be larger than the symbol portions 101 to 103 and smaller than the symbol portion 104. That is, the character size increases in the order of (1) symbol unit 103, (2) symbol unit 101, 102, (3) symbol unit 105, and (4) symbol unit 104.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a part of the upper door 112a seen from the left side. The design member 150 has a base surface (base) 151 that serves as a reference surface for protrusion of the symbol portions 101 to 105. The base surface 151 is a surface perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The symbol portions 101 to 105 are formed so that their respective tip surfaces (front surfaces) project forward from the base surface 151. Hereinafter, the term “protrusion amount” refers to the amount of protrusion of the symbol portions 101 to 105 from the base surface 151.
At this time, the protruding amount L3 of the symbol portion 103 is formed to be the smallest, and the protruding amount L4 of the symbol portion 104 is formed to be the largest. Further, the protruding amounts L1 and L2 of the symbol portions 101 and 102 are formed so as to be larger than the protruding amount L3 of the symbol portion 103 and smaller than the protruding amounts L4 and L5 of the symbol portions 104 and 105. Further, the protrusion amount L5 of the symbol portion 105 is formed so as to be larger than the protrusion amounts L1 to L3 of the symbol portions 101 to 103 and smaller than the protrusion amount L4 of the symbol portion 104. That is, the amount of protrusion increases in the order of (1) symbol portion 103, (2) symbol portions 101 and 102, (3) symbol portion 105, and (4) symbol portion 104.
As described above, the symbol portions 101 to 105 are formed so that the character size is different and the protrusion amount is different according to the character size. Specifically, the symbol portions 101 to 105 are formed so that the larger the size of the character (identification information), the larger the amount of protrusion. As a result, a three-dimensional visual effect is generated and characters (identification information) are visually recognized more three-dimensionally, attracting the player and giving a novel impression, and improving the interest of the game. Specifically, since the amount of protrusion toward the player is different in addition to the difference in the size of the characters (identification information), the difference in the degree of emphasis between the large characters and the small characters becomes larger, which further attracts the player. .. As in this example, when the larger the character size is, the larger the amount of protrusion is, the larger characters are felt to come closer to the front, attracting the player.

In the present embodiment, the symbol portions 101 to 105 and the base surface 151 are integrated (one member), but the symbol portions 101 to 105 and the base surface 151 are separate bodies (separate members). ) May be. Further, the base surface 151 of the symbol units 101 to 105 forming a series of notification information is not limited to one composed of one member, and may be composed of a plurality of members. In other words, the base surface 151 may be one or a plurality. Further, when the base surface 151 is composed of a plurality of parts, the positions of the base surface of the predetermined symbol portion and the base surface of another symbol portion different from the predetermined symbol portion in a predetermined direction (for example, in the front-rear direction) are different. You may. Specifically, in FIG. 3, for example, the base surface 151 (referred to as the first base surface) of the symbol portions 101 to 103 and the base surface 151 (referred to as the second base surface) of the symbol portions 104 to 105 are provided, respectively. In that case, the positions of the first base surface and the second base surface in the front-rear direction may be different. For example, in the front-rear direction, the position of the second base surface may be about 1 to 2 mm forward or backward of the position of the first base surface.

Further, in the present embodiment, the symbol portions 101 to 105 are formed so that the larger the size of the character (identification information), the larger the amount of protrusion. However, the larger the size of the character (identification information), the larger the protrusion amount. It may be formed so that the amount of protrusion is small. That is, in FIG. 3, the protrusion amount may be increased in the order of (1) symbol unit 104, (2) symbol unit 105, (3) symbol unit 101, 102, and (4) symbol unit 103. Even in this case, a three-dimensional visual effect is generated and the characters (identification information) are visually recognized more three-dimensionally, attracting the player and giving a novel impression, and improving the interest of the game. In this case, there is a difference in the degree of cooperation depending on the size of the characters (identification information), and since the amount of protrusion of the characters with a small character size is large, the small characters are closer to the front side (player side) than the large characters. It feels like it's coming, and both large and small letters attract players.
Further, at least a part of the plurality of symbol portions forming the series of notification information is set so that the larger the size of the identification information, the larger the protrusion amount gradually, or the protrusion amount gradually decreases. May be good.

Further, among a series of broadcast information, if the one having the largest identification information is formed with the largest protrusion amount or the smallest protrusion amount, other identification information having a size different from the identification information is formed. (The size of the identification information is other than the maximum) may have the same protrusion amount (same or substantially the same).
In this case, the one with the largest character (identification information) size is located on the front side (player side) of the other identification information, or the one with the largest character (identification information) size is located on the front side (player side) of the other identification information. Since it is located on the rear side and is visually recognized, a three-dimensional visual effect is generated and attracts the player.

Further, in the present embodiment, the tip surface of the symbol portions 101 to 105 is a plane (planar surface) perpendicular to the front-rear direction, but the tip surface of the symbol portions 101 to 105 is an inclined surface, a curved surface, and unevenness. It may have a shape or the like. When the tip surface of the symbol portions 101 to 105 has a shape other than a flat surface, the amount of protrusion of the symbol portions 101 to 105 is measured at the frontmost position (most protruding position) (topmost portion) on the tip surface. It shall be.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a part of the upper door 112a seen from the left, and each tip surface of the symbol portions 101 to 105 is an inclined surface that protrudes forward as it goes upward in the vertical direction. A modified example is shown. The character size increases in the order of (1) symbol unit 103, (2) symbol unit 101, 102, (3) symbol unit 105, and (4) symbol unit 104. Further, the amount of protrusion increases in the order of (1) symbol portion 103, (2) symbol portions 101 and 102, (3) symbol portion 105, and (4) symbol portion 104.
As described above, even when the tip surfaces of the symbol portions 101 to 105 are inclined surfaces, the larger the character size, the larger the protrusion amount. As a result, the characters are visually recognized more three-dimensionally, and the fun of the game is improved.
In FIG. 4, in the relationship between the symbol portion 104 and the symbol portion 105, it is assumed that the protrusion amount of the minimum protrusion portion on the front surface of the symbol portion 104 is smaller than the protrusion amount of the top portion of the symbol portion 105. Not limited to this, the minimum protruding portion of the symbol portion 104 may protrude forward from the topmost portion of the symbol portion 105.
Further, the inclination angle of the tip surface (inclined surface) with respect to the base surface 151 may be changed according to the character size of the symbol portions 101 to 105. For example, the larger the character size, the larger the inclination angle of the tip surface may be. Further, the tip surfaces of the symbol portions 101 to 105 may be inclined in different directions.

Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the symbol portions 101 to 105 of the design member 150 are exposed, but the design member 150 is translucent to cover the periphery (front and side) of the symbol portions 101 to 105. A cover (not shown) of (transparent resin) may be further provided, and the character size and the amount of protrusion of the symbol portions 101 to 105 may be configured to have the above-mentioned relationship inside the cover. Good. The cover is fixed to the upper door 112a by, for example, screw tightening. In this case, the symbol portions 101 to 105 are three-dimensionally visually recognized through the cover, and the fun of the game is improved. Further, by providing the cover, it is possible to protect each symbol portion from damage or the like.

Further, the symbol portions 101 to 103 are formed of a non-translucent resin, the symbol portion 104 and the symbol portion 105 are formed of a translucent resin, and a light emitting body (LED) is formed on the back side of the symbol portion 104 and the symbol portion 105. ) May be provided (not shown). In this case, the symbol unit 104 and the symbol unit 105 emit light by the light emitted from the light emitting body. In this way, the larger the character size, the larger the amount of protrusion, and the larger the character size can be illuminated, thereby further improving the enjoyment of the game. The symbol portions 101 to 103 may also be formed of a translucent resin and an LED substrate may be provided on the back side thereof to enable illumination. Further, for example, the illumination brightness and the emission color may be changed according to the character size of each symbol portion.

Further, in the present embodiment, the base surface 151 is a surface perpendicular to the front-rear direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the base surface 151 may be an inclined surface of the front door 112. For example, the inclined surface F provided with the MAX bet button 122 and the effect button 128 on the lower door 112b shown in FIG. 1 may be the base surface 151. The inclined surface F is inclined downward toward the front in the front-rear direction. When the inclined surface F is used as the base surface 151, the symbol portions 101 to 105 project in the direction perpendicular to the inclined surface F.

Further, the design member 150 may be provided at the pressing portion of the button (for example, MAX bet button 122, effect button 128, etc.). The pressing portion is a member that is formed of resin or the like, is supported by an urging member such as a spring, and can be pushed in. In this case, the pressing portion has, for example, a base surface 151 which is a surface perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the operation direction (pressing direction), and a symbol portion is formed on the base surface 151. The symbol portion projects in a direction perpendicular to the base surface 151.

Here, an example in which the design member 150 is provided on the pressing portion of the MAX bet button 122 will be described. In this case, for example, six symbol portions are provided, the shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the first symbol portion is the letter "M", and the shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the second symbol portion is the letter "A". , The shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the third symbol part is the letter "X", the shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the fourth symbol part is the letter "B", and the shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the fifth symbol part. ) Is the letter "E", and the shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the sixth symbol portion is the letter "T". Then, the first to third symbol portions are arranged in this order in the left-right direction to form the upper row, and the fourth to sixth symbol portions are arranged in this order in the left-right direction to form the lower row, and are arranged in two stages.

At this time, the character size of the first to third symbol parts (MAX) is formed to be larger than the character size of the fourth to sixth symbol parts (BET). The character sizes of the first to third symbol parts are the same as each other, and the character sizes of the fourth to sixth symbol parts are the same as each other. Further, the protruding amount of the first to third symbol portions (MAX) is formed to be larger than the protruding amount of the fourth to sixth symbol portions (BET). As a result, the first to sixth symbol portions are visually recognized more three-dimensionally, and the fun of the game is improved.
In order to prevent each symbol part from being directly exposed, a translucent (transparent resin) cover is provided to cover the periphery (upper surface and side surface) of each symbol part, and each symbol part is visually recognized through the cover. You may do so. The cover is fixed to the pressing portion by, for example, adhesion. By providing the cover, each symbol portion can be protected from damage and the like, and the symbol portion does not directly touch the finger when the pressing portion is operated, so that the player can operate it comfortably.

Next, an example in which the design member 150 is provided on the pressing portion of the effect button 128 will be described. In this case, for example, four symbol portions are provided, the shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the first symbol portion is the letter "P", and the shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the second symbol portion is the letter "U". , The shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the third symbol portion is the letter "S", and the shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the fourth symbol portion is the letter "H". The first to fourth symbol portions are arranged in this order, for example, so as to be arranged in the left-right direction (arranged in a horizontal row).

At this time, the first to fourth symbol portions (PUSH) are formed so that the character size gradually decreases from both ends toward the center, for example. Further, the first to fourth symbol portions are formed so that the amount of protrusion gradually decreases from both ends toward the center side. In other words, the character size and the amount of character protrusion gradually increase from the inside to the outside in the left-right direction. As a result, the first to fourth symbol portions are visually recognized more three-dimensionally, and the fun of the game is improved. In addition, in order to prevent the first to fourth symbol parts from being directly exposed, a translucent (transparent resin) cover that covers the periphery of the first to fourth symbol parts is provided, and the first to first symbol parts are provided through the cover. 4 The symbol portion may be visually recognized. Further, the first to fourth symbol portions may be formed so that, for example, large characters and small characters alternate with each other so that the amount of protrusion of large characters is larger than the amount of protrusion of small characters.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine, which is one of the gaming machines, will be described, but other gaming machines may be used.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine of the present embodiment plays a game using a gaming ball (game medium) lent out from the gaming field, and is provided with an outer frame 2 forming an outer surface of the gaming machine and inside the gaming machine. A game board 6 that forms a game area 4 in which a game ball moves, a glass unit 8 that makes the game board 6 visible and inaccessible to a player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached are provided. ing.

The portion of the front frame 10 that surrounds the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion that is made of the translucent material, there is a directing light for enlivening the game. A plurality of front frame lamps 12 for outputting light are provided. Further, on the left and right of the upper part and the left and right of the lower part of the front frame 10, speakers 14 for outputting a production sound or the like for enlivening the game are provided.

An upper plate 16 for storing the game ball is provided in the lower center of the front frame 10, and the left part of the inner side surface of the upper plate 16 is for paying out the game ball from the gaming machine to the player. A payout port 18 is provided. A grip unit 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10, and when the player performs an operation of rotating the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, the grip unit 20 is provided inside the gaming machine (not shown). The launching device is activated so that the gaming ball is launched into the gaming area 4. The launching device of the present embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 per second).

A supply port 22 for supplying a game ball from the upper plate 16 to the launching device is provided on the right side of the inner side surface of the upper plate 16. Further, below the upper plate 16, a lower plate 24 for storing a surplus game ball when the game ball cannot be stored in the upper plate 16 is provided.

An effect operating device 26 is provided on the front side of the edge of the upper plate 16, and when the player operates the effect operation device 26, the effect performed by the gaming machine changes. In detail, the effect operation device 26 has a built-in push button switch and a rotary switch (jog dial) so that the operation of pressing the effect operation device 26 and the operation of rotating the effect operation device 26 can be detected. It has become.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the game board 6 is provided with the outer rail 28 in a circular shape, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 in which the game ball moves. Further, at the left end of the game area 4, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 are provided below the game board 6 and are not shown. The game ball launched from the launcher is guided to the game area 4.

At the center of the game board 6, a liquid crystal display 32 for displaying an effect image or the like for enlivening the game and an effect unit 36 including a display frame 34 formed so as to surround the liquid crystal display 32 are provided. A design member 38 is provided on the display frame 34. In the present embodiment, the case where the design member 38 is provided above the liquid crystal display 32 is shown, but the position of the design member 38 is not limited to this.

In the present embodiment, the game ball cannot pass through the front side of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device passes through the game area 4 on the left side or the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. It is designed to fall. A large number of game nails (not shown) are struck in the game area 4 so as to intersect the surface of the game board 6, and the movement direction of the game ball moving in the game area 4 changes randomly. ..

An opening 40 through which a game ball falling through the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass is formed in the left portion of the display frame 34, and the game ball passing through the opening 40 is provided in the display frame 34. It passes through the passage 42 and falls on the stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The upper surface of the stage 44 has a smooth curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 so that the game ball can fall downward from the stage 44, and the ball falls from the passage 42 onto the stage 44. After the game ball moves back and forth on the stage 44 from side to side, it falls downward from the vicinity of the center of the stage 44.

A first starting winning opening 46 is provided below the central portion of the stage 44.
Further, a passage gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. Further, a second starting winning opening 50 is provided below the passing gate 48. The second start winning opening 50 is in a reduced state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting winning opening 50 (a state in which the entry is not assisted / a non-assisted state) and an enlarged state in which the game ball is likely to enter (assists the entry). An ordinary accessory 52 provided with an auxiliary member that can operate between the state and the auxiliary state) is provided.

In the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a large winning opening 54 is provided below the second starting winning opening 50. The large winning opening 54 is provided with a special accessory 56 provided with a movable member that closes the large winning opening 54. The special accessory 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the large winning opening 54 and an open state in which the game ball can enter the large winning opening 54 (FIG. 6). Indicates a closed state). The special accessory 56 is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition in a special gaming state that starts when a big hit is won.

Below the grand prize opening 54, a grand prize passage 58 is provided downward. A normal entrance 62 is provided at the lower end of the grand prize passage 58. Further, below the grand prize passage 58, a specific passage 65 is provided so as to branch downward from the middle of the grand prize passage 58. The specific passage 65 is provided with a specific accessory 66 including a movable member that closes the specific passage 65. The specific accessory 66 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the specific passage 65 and an open state in which the game ball can enter the specific passage 65 (FIG. 6 is a closed state). Shows). The specific accessory 66 is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition in a special gaming state. A specific entrance 68 is provided at the lower end of the specific passage 65. Further, at the lowermost part of the game area 4, an out port 69 is provided to collect the game balls that have fallen in the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings inside the game machine.

The game ball launcher is configured to change the firing output of the game ball by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 shown in FIG. 5, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the liquid crystal display The game ball is launched so that the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the left side of the display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A game ball is fired.

The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 according to the game situation, and the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the left side, or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42, and the stage 44, and the first start winning opening. The game ball is fired so as to enter 46 (left-handed), the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the right side, and the game ball passes through the passage gate 48, or at the second start winning opening 50. The game ball is fired so that the game ball enters or the game ball enters the grand prize opening 54 (right-handed).

A status display unit 70 is provided on the lower right side of the gaming board 6 and outside the gaming area 4 to indicate various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps and the like. The gaming machine of the present embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub board. The functions of each board such as the main board and sub board are the hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of information storage medium), RAM, and ROM. It is realized by software consisting of a given program stored in advance.

The main board receives input signals from input means (first start winning opening sensor, passing gate sensor, second starting winning opening sensor, large winning opening sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.). , Performs various calculations to execute the game, and based on the calculation results, of the output means (state display drive device, ordinary accessory drive device, special accessory drive device, specific accessory drive device, payout device, etc.) Control the operation.

The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the effect operation sensor that detects the operation of the effect operation device 26, and performs various operations for executing the effect according to the progress of the game. Is performed, and the operation of the effect device (effect display device, sound device, effect drive device, etc.) is controlled based on the calculation result.

Next, the design member 38 will be described. The design member 38 includes a plurality of symbol units (for example, a symbol unit 101, a symbol unit 102, a symbol unit 103, and a symbol unit 104). Characters (identification information) are represented by the shapes of the tip surfaces of the symbol portions 101 to 104. In the present embodiment, one character "south" is represented by the shape of the tip surface of the symbol portion 101. Further, one character "country" is represented by the shape of the tip surface of the symbol portion 102. Further, one character "Otsu" is represented by the shape of the tip surface of the symbol portion 103. Further, one character "female" is represented by the shape of the tip surface of the symbol portion 104. The symbol parts 101 to 104 constitute a series of character strings of "Tropical Maiden". The symbol units 101 and 102 are provided so as to be arranged in the left-right direction, and the symbol units 103 and 104 are provided between the symbol unit 101 and the symbol unit 102 so as to be arranged in the vertical direction in this order.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the design member 38. Comparing the sizes of the identification information (characters) of the symbol parts 101 to 104, the symbol parts 101 and 102 have the same character size and are formed so that the character size is the smallest. Further, the symbol portion 104 is formed so that the character size is the largest. Further, the symbol unit 103 is formed so that the character size is larger than the symbol units 101 and 102 and smaller than the symbol unit 104. That is, the character size increases in the order of (1) symbol units 101 and 102, (2) symbol unit 103, and (3) symbol unit 104.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view seen from the P direction shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a schematic side view seen from the Q direction shown in FIG. 7.
The design member 38 has a base surface 38a that serves as a reference surface for protrusion of the symbol portions 101 to 104. In the present embodiment, the base surface 38a is a surface perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The symbol portions 101 to 104 are formed so that their respective tip surfaces (front surfaces) project forward from the base surface 38a. Hereinafter, the amount of protrusion refers to the amount of protrusion of the symbol portions 101 to 104 from the base surface 38a.
Comparing the protruding amounts of the symbol portions 101 to 104 with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the protruding amounts L1 and L2 of the symbol portions 101 and 102 are the smallest, and the protruding amount L4 of the symbol portion 104 is formed to be the largest. .. Further, the protruding amount L3 of the symbol portion 103 is formed so as to be larger than the protruding amounts L1 and L2 of the symbol portions 101 and 102 and smaller than the protruding amount L4 of the symbol portion 104. That is, the amount of protrusion increases in the order of (1) symbol units 101 and 102, (2) symbol unit 103, and (3) symbol unit 104. As described above, the symbol portions 101 to 104 are formed so that the larger the character size, the larger the amount of protrusion. As a result, a three-dimensional visual effect is generated and the characters are visually recognized more three-dimensionally, attracting the player and giving a novel impression, and improving the interest of the game.

In the present embodiment, the tip surface of the symbol portions 101 to 104 is a plane (planar surface) perpendicular to the front-rear direction, but the front surface of the symbol portions 101 to 104 has an inclined surface, a curved surface, and unevenness. It may be a shape or the like. When the front surface of the symbol portions 101 to 104 has a shape other than a flat surface in this way, the amount of protrusion of the symbol portions 101 to 104 is measured at the foremost position (top portion) on the tip surface. Further, in the present embodiment, the base surface 38a is a surface perpendicular to the front-rear direction, but the base surface 38a is, for example, a surface inclined with respect to the front-rear direction, and the symbol portion 101 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface. ~ 104 may be projected.

Further, in the present embodiment, the front surface side of the symbol portions 101 to 104 (design member 38) is covered with the glass unit 8 (see FIG. 5), but for example, the symbol portions 101 to 104 (design member 38). May be provided in the front frame 10 (see FIG. 5) so as to be exposed. Further, a part or all of the symbol units 101 to 104 may be configured to be illuminate, and further, for example, the illumination brightness and the emission color may be changed according to the character size of each symbol unit.

Further, the design member 38 may be provided in the pressing portion of the effect operating device 26 (see FIG. 5). In this case, for example, four symbol portions are provided, the shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the first symbol portion is the letter "P", and the shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the second symbol portion is the letter "U". , The shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the third symbol portion is the letter "S", and the shape of the tip surface (upper surface) of the fourth symbol portion is the letter "H". Then, the first to fourth symbol portions are arranged in this order, for example, in the left-right direction (arranged in a horizontal row).

At this time, the first to fourth symbol portions are formed so that the character size gradually decreases, for example, from both ends toward the center side. Further, the first to fourth symbol portions are formed so that the amount of protrusion gradually decreases toward the center side from both ends. Further, in order to prevent the first to fourth symbol portions from being directly exposed, a translucent (transparent resin) cover that covers the periphery of the first to fourth symbol portions is provided, and the first to first symbol portions are provided through the cover. 4 The symbol portion may be visually recognized. With such a configuration, the first to fourth symbol portions in the effect operation device 26 are visually recognized more three-dimensionally, and the interest of the game is improved.

Next, the sub-board unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 10A is a view (plan view) of the sub-board unit 200 as viewed from the back side. FIG. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 10A. Further, FIG. 11 is a view (plan view) of the sub-board 210 as viewed from the back side. Note that FIG. 11 shows a state in which the sub-board case 220 is removed in FIG. 10 (a).
The sub-board unit 200 is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display 113 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment, the liquid crystal display 32 (see FIG. 6) according to the second embodiment, and the like. Hereinafter, the sub-board unit 200 will be described, but the specifications shown in FIG. 10 can be applied to a liquid crystal board unit, an LED board unit, and a power supply board unit other than the main board unit.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the sub-board unit 200 includes a sub-board 210, a sub-board case 220 that covers the back side of the sub-board 210, and the like. The sub-board case 220 is made of, for example, a transparent resin, and has a substantially concave cross section in the vertical direction.
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, electronic components are mounted (arranged) on the sub-board 210. In this example, an IC 217 and a resistor 218 are mounted as electronic components. Although not shown, a capacitor or the like is mounted as an electronic component on the sub-board 210.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the sub-board case 220 is provided with a plurality of through holes 221 penetrating in the front-rear direction. The plurality of through holes 221 include a small diameter through hole 222 and a large diameter through hole 223. The small diameter through hole 222 is provided inside (center portion side) of the sub-board case 220. On the other hand, the large-diameter through hole 223 is provided on the outside (outer peripheral end side) of the sub-board case 220. The large-diameter through hole 223 is mainly provided at a position facing a portion (range) in the sub-board 210 where electronic components (chips or the like) are not arranged. A large-diameter through hole 223 may be provided at a position facing the capacitor.
Further, in the sub-board case 220, there is a place where the small diameter through hole 222 is provided at a position facing the IC 217 among the electronic parts, but there is no place where the large diameter through hole 223 is provided. Note that FIG. 10A shows an example of how to provide the small diameter through hole 222 and the large diameter through hole 223, and the number of holes is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the small diameter through hole 222 is formed in a tapered shape so that the hole diameter gradually decreases from the front side (board side) to the rear side (housing side). The small diameter through hole 222 has the smallest hole diameter (inner diameter) of about 2 mm and the largest hole diameter (outer diameter) of about 3 mm. The distance between the centers of two holes adjacent to each other in the left-right direction is about 5 mm (see FIG. 10A).
As shown in FIG. 10B, the large-diameter through hole 223 is formed in a reverse taper shape so that the hole diameter gradually increases from the front side (board side) to the rear side (housing side). The large-diameter through hole 223 has the smallest hole diameter (inner diameter) of about 2 mm and the largest hole diameter (outer diameter) of about 4 mm. The distance between the centers of two holes adjacent to each other in the left-right direction is about 6 mm (see FIG. 10A). The smallest hole diameter (inner diameter) of the large-diameter through hole 223 may be about 2.5 mm, which is larger than about 2 mm.

The small-diameter through hole 222 has a tapered shape in which the hole diameter gradually decreases from the front side to the rear side. Therefore, the air inside the sub-board case 220 is easily discharged to the outside through the small-diameter through hole 222. Further, the small-diameter through hole 222 may be provided at a position facing the IC of the substrate, but the tapered shape also serves as a fraud prevention measure by inserting an instrument or the like from the rear side (rear side).
The large-diameter through hole 223 has a reverse taper shape in which the hole diameter gradually increases from the front side to the rear side. Therefore, the air outside the sub-board case 220 is easily taken into the inside of the sub-board case 220 through the large-diameter through hole 223.

Next, the volume control switch 300 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, the volume control switch 300 is arranged on the sub-board 210 and is electrically connected to the sub-board 210. The volume adjustment switch 300 is the loudness (volume) of the sound output from the speaker 114 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment, the speaker 14 (see FIG. 5) according to the second embodiment, and the like. ) Is provided to adjust. Although the volume adjustment switch 300 will be described below, the present contents can be applied to a predetermined adjustment switch (rotary switch) including the volume adjustment switch 300. The predetermined adjustment switch includes a volume adjustment switch 300, a brightness adjustment switch, an effect changeover switch, and the like. The brightness adjustment switch is provided to enable adjustment of the emission brightness (brightness) of the lighting device (illumination device) of the gaming machine. In addition, the effect changeover switch is provided so that the setting related to the effect can be changed on the hall (game hall) side. As for the setting related to the effect, for example, when four types of states (four types of effect states) having different effect contents are prepared, one state can be selected from the four states. It should be noted that the four states may include, for example, a state in which a specific effect appears and a state in which a specific effect does not appear.

FIG. 12A is a view (plan view) of the volume control switch 300 viewed from the rear side, and FIG. 12B is a view (plan view) of the housing 310 of the volume control switch 300 viewed from the rear side. .. Further, FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. 10 (a). In FIG. 13, the housing 310 is not shown as a cross section. Further, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the volume control switch 300 as viewed from the rear side.

As shown in FIG. 13, the volume control switch 300 includes a housing 310, a shaft member 320, a knob 330, and the like. As shown in FIG. 12B, the housing 310 has a square shape in a plan view (square shape in a plan view). The plan view means that the surface of the sub-board 210 on the side where the volume control switch 300 is arranged is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface. The housing 310 is fixed to the sub-board 210 by, for example, soldering. A circular hole 311 in a plan view is provided on the surface (upper surface) 310a of the housing 310 opposite to the substrate side. A shaft member 320 (see FIG. 13) protrudes from the hole 311. The shaft member 320 is in a state where its base end side is housed inside the housing 310 and can rotate around the shaft. As the shaft member 320 rotates, for example, a rotor (not shown) inside the housing 310 rotates.

As shown in FIG. 12B, a level display unit 312 is provided on the upper surface 310a of the housing 310 so as to surround the periphery of the hole 311. The level display unit (predetermined display) 312 is formed by, for example, attaching numbers 0 to 9 indicating the magnitude (level) of the volume so as to form a ring at predetermined intervals. Each number is arranged so that the lower part of the number faces the center of the hole 311 (the center of the knob 330 described later). In the present embodiment, the predetermined display is a number indicating the loudness (level) of the volume, but characters or symbols other than the number may be used. In the case of the brightness adjustment switch, for example, a number indicating the brightness (brightness) stepwise is attached in a ring shape as a predetermined display. Further, in the case of the effect changeover switch, for example, numbers and characters (for example, alphabets) corresponding to each effect state are attached in a ring shape as a predetermined display. Here, the diameter of the circle (the circumscribed circle connecting the upper parts of each number) that regulates the outer peripheral side (outside in the radial direction) of the range of the level display unit 312 is defined as the level diameter 313.

As shown in FIG. 13, the knob 330 has a cylindrical shape in which one end is closed and the other end is open. The knob 330 has an inner diameter that can be put on the shaft member 320. When the knob 330 is rotated with the knob 330 covered on the shaft member 320, the shaft member 320 rotates in synchronization with the knob 330. Further, at the end of the knob 330 on the opening side (housing 310 side), a collar-shaped collar portion 331 projecting outward in the radial direction is provided. The knob 330 is made of, for example, a transparent resin or a black resin.
In the above description, the case where the shaft member 320 and the knob 330 are separate bodies has been described, but the shaft member 320 and the knob 330 may be integrally configured. In other words, the knob 330 may include the shaft member 320. It can be said that the knob 330 is rotatably supported by the housing 310. Further, the upper surface 310a of the housing 310 can be said to be the surface of the housing 310 on the knob 330 side.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the flange portion 331 is provided so as to be annular (circular in plan view) when viewed from the axial direction of the knob 330, and is U-shaped when viewed from the axial direction at one location. The notch portion 331a of the above is formed. The notch portion 331a is formed in a size such that one number (level) of the level display portion 312 can be visually recognized.

Further, although not shown in FIG. 13, a slight gap of less than 1.0 mm is provided between the bottom surface of the flange portion 331 and the top surface 310a of the housing 310. Therefore, the level display unit 312 printed on the upper surface 310a of the housing 310 is not scraped off, and the level display (numbers) is not blurred. That is, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the visibility of the level display. Further, since the gap is as small as less than 1.0 mm, when the knob 330 is set to an appropriate position (when the level is located substantially in the center of the notch 331a), the axial direction of the knob 330 The level display next to the level display (number) located inside the notch 331a is not visually visible regardless of whether it is viewed from the front or at an angle with respect to the axial direction. That is, the two level displays are not visually recognized at once, and the current set value can be accurately grasped.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the width at the upper portion (diameter outside) of the notch portion 331a is defined as the width X, and the width between the central portions of adjacent levels (numbers) is defined as the width Y. The width X is equal to or less than the width Y or less than the width Y. Therefore, if the notch 331a is located (middle) between the center of one number (for example, "1") and the center of the other number (for example, "0"), both numbers. (Here, "1" and "0") are unrecognizable or difficult to recognize. As a result, it is possible to more easily grasp the setting error of the knob 330, that is, that the knob 330 is not rotated to an appropriate position (the position of the knob 330 is inappropriate).

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of vertical grooves 332 provided along the axial direction are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the knob 330 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. By providing a plurality of the vertical grooves 332, it is possible to prevent the fingers from slipping when the knob 330 is rotated. Further, one lateral groove 333 is formed on the tip surface of the knob 330 along a diameter passing through the center. By inserting a flat-blade screwdriver or the like into the lateral groove 333 and rotating the knob 330, the knob 330 can be rotated without being directly pinched.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the sub-board case (board case) 220 located on the back side (upper side in FIG. 13) of the volume control switch 300 is provided with a case opening (opening) 224. The case opening 224 has a circular shape in a plan view (concentric circle with the knob 330). The case opening 224 is provided so that the tip of the knob 330 protrudes (to insert the knob 330) at a position corresponding to (opposing) the position of the knob 330. By rotating the knob 330 protruding from the case opening 224, the loudness (volume) of the sound output from the speaker can be adjusted. For example, when the knob 330 is rotated to increase the number visually recognized through the notch 331a, the volume output from the speaker increases. The sub-board case 220 is made of, for example, a transparent resin. This is to make it possible to visually recognize the parts housed (arranged) inside the sub-board case 220.

In the present embodiment, the sub-board case 220 has a recess 225 having a recess shape that is recessed one step from the back surface side (top surface side) toward the substrate side. The case opening 224 is provided at a substantially central portion of the recess 225. By making the knob 330 project inside the recess 225 in this way, it becomes difficult for a finger or the like to come into contact with the knob 330, and it is possible to prevent the knob 330 from rotating due to erroneous contact or the like.

The components arranged (connected) to the sub-board 210 include electronic components, a connector, a volume control switch 300, and the like, and the volume control switch 300 is on the rearmost side (upper side in FIG. 13) from the board surface of the sub-board 210. ). Further, the sub-board case 220 is formed to have a concave cross section so as to cover the sub-board 210 from the back surface side. The top surface 226a of the back plate portion 226 of the sub-board case 220 is formed so as to be located on the back side (upper side) of the tip of the volume control switch 300. In other words, the tip of the volume control switch 300 (knob 330) does not protrude from the top surface 226a of the sub-board case 220. It should be noted that the allowance from the case opening 224 of the knob 330 is an allowance that can be pinched with fingers, for example.

In the assembling process or the like, the sub-board unit 200 may be placed on a table or the like with the sub-board case 220 side facing down, but even in that case, the knob 330 is located on the top surface 226a of the sub-board case 220. Since it does not protrude, no impact is applied to the volume control switch 300. As a result, when placed on a table or the like, a force (impact) is applied to the tip of the volume control switch 300, and the volume control switch 300 can be prevented from being damaged.
In FIG. 13, the top surface 226a of the sub-board case 220 is located on the back side (upper surface side) of the tip of the volume adjustment switch 300, and the recess 225 is provided. If the structure is such that no impact is applied, the recess 225 does not necessarily have to be provided. In that case, the case opening 224 may be provided in the back plate portion 226.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the gap between the upper surface of the flange portion 331 and the surface of the sub-board case 220 on the substrate side (inside) is defined as the length L. This length L is about 1 to 2 mm. The length L is narrowed from the viewpoint of fraud prevention, and has a length that does not interfere with the flange portion 331 and the sub-board case 220 even when the component tolerance is the worst. By reducing this length L, fraud can be prevented.

FIG. 31A is a view of another sub-board unit 600 viewed from the back side. FIG. 31 (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the UU line shown in FIG. 31 (a). Electronic components (not shown) such as capacitors and resistors, a volume control switch 300, a connector CN, a DIP switch DIP, a reset switch RE, and the like are arranged on the sub-board 210. Here, the position (height) of the top surface 226a in the sub-board case 220 is determined according to the tall electronic components (for example, capacitors) arranged on the sub-board 210, but switches, connectors, etc. are arranged. Since it is necessary to expose them, a recess 225 is provided, and an opening is formed in the recess 225. At this time, the tip of the switch or connector protruding from the opening of the recess 225 does not protrude from the top surface 226a of the sub-board case 220. The tip of the volume control switch 300 (knob 330) protrudes toward the top surface 226a from the tip of the connector CN.

In the assembly process or the like, the sub-board unit 600 may be placed on a table or the like with the sub-board case 220 side down, but even in that case, the switch (including the volume control switch 300) and the connector CN may be used. Since it does not protrude from the top surface 226a of the sub-board case 220, no impact is applied to the switch and the connector CN. As a result, when placed on a table or the like, a force (impact) is applied to the tip of the volume control switch 300 or the connector CN, and the volume control switch 300 or the connector CN can be prevented from being damaged.

FIG. 32 (a) is an enlarged view of the S portion in FIG. 31 (a). 32 (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line WW shown in FIG. 32 (a). Hereinafter, the dimension of one side of the housing 310 (upper surface 310a) is referred to as the length of one side of the housing 310 (one side length). The diagonal dimension of the housing 310 (upper surface 310a) is referred to as the diagonal length (diagonal length) of the housing 310. The diagonal length of the housing 310 is longer than the length of one side of the housing 310.

The diagonal length of the housing 310 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the case opening 224 (the diagonal length of the housing 310 is larger than the diameter of the case opening 224). For example, when an excessive force (load) is applied to the knob 330, or when the fixing (adhesion) of the volume control switch 300 to the sub board 210 deteriorates over time, the volume control switch 300 is moved from the sub board 210. This is the case when damage occurs that causes the product to come off. Even in such a case, since the diagonal length of the housing 310 is equal to or larger than the diameter of the case opening 224, the housing 310 is caught in the case opening 224. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the volume control switch 300 from jumping out (discharging) to the outside of the sub-board case 220 through the case opening 224. As a result, it is possible to prevent the volume control switch 300 discharged to the outside of the sub-board case 220 from being lost. Further, it is possible to prevent the volume control switch 300 discharged to the outside of the sub-board case 220 from affecting other parts. The length of one side of the housing 310 may be equal to or larger than the diameter of the case opening 224.

Further, the length of one side of the housing 310 is equal to or larger than the diameter of the collar portion 331 (the length of one side of the housing 310 is larger than the diameter of the collar portion 331). That is, the diameter of the collar portion 331 is equal to or less than the length of one side of the housing 310. In other words, the outer peripheral end of the housing 310 is located on the outer side (diameter outer side) of the outer peripheral end of the flange portion 331 when viewed from the axial direction of the knob 330. In other words, the outer shape of the housing 310 is larger than the outer shape of the flange portion 331 when viewed from the axial direction of the knob 330.

If the outer peripheral end of the collar portion 331 is located outside the outer peripheral end of the housing 310, the terminal portion of the housing 310 is hidden and invisible when viewed from the axial direction of the knob 330, and the terminal portion of the housing 310 There is a problem that adhesion (presence or absence of defects) cannot be confirmed, but according to this example, it is possible to prevent such a problem from occurring. Further, if the outer peripheral end of the collar portion 331 is located outside the outer peripheral end of the housing 310, there arises a problem that the identification code written on the substrate near the housing 310 is hidden and cannot be visually recognized. Therefore, it is possible to prevent such a problem from occurring. Further, if the outer peripheral end of the collar portion 331 is located outside the outer peripheral end of the housing 310, there arises a problem that the heat dissipation effect of the heat generated by the volume control switch 300 is reduced. It is possible to prevent such a problem from occurring.

Further, the diameter of the collar portion 331 is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the case opening 224. In other words, the diameter of the case opening 224 is equal to or larger than the diameter of the collar portion 331. When the diameter of the case opening 224 is made larger than the diameter of the collar portion 331 in this way, the level (number) becomes easier to see.

Although not shown, the diameter of the collar portion 331 may be equal to or larger than the diameter of the case opening 224. In this case, for example, even if only the knob 330 is removed from the housing 310, the knob 330 is caught in the case opening 224 because the diameter of the collar portion 331 of the knob 330 is equal to or larger than the diameter of the case opening 224. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the knob 330 from popping out (discharging) to the outside of the sub-board case 220 through the case opening 224. As a result, the knob 330 can be prevented from being lost. The diameter of the collar portion 331 and the diameter of the case opening 224 may be the same or substantially the same. Even in this case, the same effect is obtained.

According to this example, since at least the case opening 224 is smaller than the size of the housing 310, even if the volume control switch 300 is damaged and comes off from the sub-board 210, the volume control switch 300 can be used. It is possible to prevent the case from being discharged to the outside through the case opening 224.

Further, the diameter of the collar portion 331 and the level diameter 313 (see FIG. 12B) (diameter of the circumscribed circle of a predetermined display) are the same or substantially the same. In other words, the upper part (upper end) of the level display (for example, numbers 0 to 9) is located inside the outer circumference of the collar portion 331. In other words, the level diameter 313 is smaller than the diameter of the collar 331. Therefore, the upper part (upper end) of the level display (number) does not protrude outside the outer circumference of the collar portion 331. By aligning the outer circumference of the collar portion 331 with the upper part of the predetermined display (numbers), numbers and the like do not jump out of the collar portion 331, so that misidentification of the set value can be prevented and the numbers and the like enter too much inside. Therefore, even when the knob 330 is pinched, it is easy to visually recognize the numbers and the like.

Further, the diameter of the case opening 224 is the same as or substantially the same as the level diameter 313 (see FIG. 12B). In other words, when viewed from the axial direction of the knob 330, the diameter of the case opening 224 is a diameter at which the level (number) can be directly visually recognized without passing through the sub-board case 220. Therefore, since the numbers can be directly visually recognized without going through the sub-board case 220, for example, the level is not difficult to be visually recognized due to the reflection of light on the sub-board case 220, and the numbers can be easily seen. As a result, it is possible to prevent the adjustment from being mistaken. In addition, the burden of adjustment can be reduced. The diameter of the case opening 224 may be set to a level diameter of 313 or more.

Further, in the present embodiment, the sub-board case 220 is provided with a case opening 224, which is a hole for inserting the knob 330. On the back side of a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine), there is a main control board that performs main processing related to the game, and a sub-control board (for example, a sub-board 210) that controls various devices in response to commands from the main control board. , A cover (back cover) that can be opened and closed (rotated) freely on the back of the main body frame so as to cover the sub-board case 220 and harness all at once, and stores a large number of game balls supplied from the island equipment of the amusement park. Some are equipped with possible storage tanks, etc. The main control board is covered with a cover member and sealed to prevent fraudulent activities.

In the case of such a configuration, in addition to the case opening 224 of the sub-board case 220, the position corresponding (opposing) to the volume control switch 300 (knob 330) on the cover (back cover) covering the outside of the sub-board case 220 is specified. Make an opening. Here, a specific opening will be described. The back cover is provided with, for example, a plurality of openings (for example, round holes) having the same shape at predetermined intervals in order to dissipate heat. A particular opening is an opening that is different from those openings (referred to as other openings), for example, that is different in shape from the other openings. As a specific opening, for example, there is an elongated hole formed in the vertical direction with a width that a finger cannot be inserted but a flat-blade screwdriver can be inserted. The specific opening has the same shape as the other openings, but may have a different size (width, diameter, etc.). It can be said that the specific opening is provided in a manner different from that of other openings. Further, the specific opening is not limited to one, and two or more may be provided side by side. The operator can insert a flat-blade screwdriver or the like through a specific opening and insert it into the lateral groove 333 (see FIG. 14) of the knob 330 to rotate the knob 330. As a result, the volume can be adjusted from the back side of the gaming machine without opening the back cover (without removing the back cover). The sub-board case 220 may not be provided, only the back cover may be provided, and an opening (specific opening) may be provided at a position corresponding to (opposing) the knob 330 on the back cover.

FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line TT shown in FIG. 31 (a). The recess 225 of the sub-board case 220 is provided with a connector opening K for inserting the connector CN at a position corresponding to (opposing) the connector CN. When the sub-board case 220 is attached to the sub-board 210, the tip of the connector CN projects toward the back side (upper side) of the connector opening K. However, as described above, the tip of the connector CN does not protrude from the top surface 226a of the sub-board case 220.

Further, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the connector CN and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening K is formed small (narrow) from the viewpoint of preventing fraud. In the present embodiment, the gap is smaller than the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the knob 330 of the volume control switch 300 and the inner peripheral surface of the case opening 224 in FIG. Further, the connector CN is a component that may come into contact with the end portion of the connector opening K before other components when the sub-board case 220 is covered with the sub-board 210. Since the strength of the connector CN is weak, if the end portions of the connector opening K come into contact with each other and receive a force (impact), there is a risk of damage such as chipping.

In view of such circumstances, in the present embodiment, the connector opening K is provided with a taper. That is, the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening K is a tapered surface. Specifically, the inner peripheral surface is a tapered surface so that the diameter of the connector opening K becomes smaller toward the top surface 226a side (upper side) (so that it gradually narrows). As a result, even if the end of the connector opening K and the connector CN come into contact with each other when the sub-board case 220 is attached, the tapered surface is provided, so that the connector CN can be prevented from being damaged. Further, by making the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening K a tapered surface, it is possible to prevent the wiring from being deteriorated or broken even if the wiring is in contact with the wiring.

Further, in FIG. 13, the inner peripheral surface of the case opening 224 is shown to be a surface parallel to the axial direction of the knob 330. That is, the case opening 224 is shown to have no taper. The reason why the case opening 224 is not provided with a taper is that the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the knob 330 and the inner peripheral surface of the case opening 224 is secured larger than the gap between the connector CN and the opening. .. However, the case opening 224 may also be provided with a taper. That is, the inner peripheral surface of the case opening 224 may be a tapered surface (chamfering may be provided at the end of the case opening 224). There are two ways to provide a taper to the case opening 224.

FIG. 34A shows an example in which the inner peripheral surface of the case opening 224 is tapered so that the diameter of the case opening 224 becomes smaller toward the substrate side (lower side). By providing the taper in this way, even if the fingertips come into contact with the sub-board case 220 when the knob 330 is pinched, it is possible to prevent pain because the tapered surface is provided.

FIG. 34B shows an example in which the inner peripheral surface of the case opening 224 is tapered so that the diameter of the case opening 224 becomes smaller toward the top surface side (upper side). By providing the taper in this way, when the sub-board case 220 is covered with the sub-board 210, even if the tip of the knob 330 and the sub-board case 220 come into contact with each other, the sub-board is a tapered surface. The position of the case 220 is forced so that it can be fitted smoothly.

In FIG. 33, the connector opening K, which is more likely to come into contact with the other parts, is provided with a taper, but as shown in FIG. 34, the opening for the volume control switch 300 (case opening 224) is further tapered. May be provided. The opening for the volume control switch 300 (case opening 224) may not be provided with a taper, and only the connector opening K may be provided with a taper. Further, the connector opening K may not be tapered, and only the opening for the volume control switch 300 (case opening 224) may be tapered.

In the above description, the case where the opening for projecting the connector CN and the volume adjusting switch 300 is provided with a taper is shown, but the opening for providing the taper is not limited to the opening of the connector CN and the volume adjusting switch 300. That is, if there is a component that protrudes (exposed) from the opening formed in the sub-board case 220, the opening for that component can be tapered. At this time, if the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the component and the inner peripheral surface of the opening is equal to or less than a predetermined gap (narrow gap), the taper may be provided.

Next, the liquid crystal unit 500 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the liquid crystal unit 500 as viewed from the front.
The liquid crystal unit 500 is shown, for example, in the vicinity of the operation unit provided with the MAX bet button 122 or the like shown in FIG. 1 (first embodiment) or in FIG. 5 (second embodiment). It is provided in the vicinity of the operation unit where the effect operation device 26 and the like are provided. Hereinafter, the description will be made using the liquid crystal unit 500, but the present contents can be applied not only to the liquid crystal unit 500 but also to a sub-board unit other than the main board unit, an LED board unit, and a power supply board unit.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal unit 500. The liquid crystal unit 500 includes a frame 510, a liquid crystal protective sheet 520, a liquid crystal module 530, a liquid crystal base 540, a liquid crystal control substrate (board) 550, a liquid crystal cover 560, and the like.

The frame 510 is a rectangular frame-shaped member, and is formed so as to cover the outer peripheral portion on the front surface side of the liquid crystal module 530. The frame 510 is made of, for example, a resin. The frame 510 is fixed to the liquid crystal base 540 by a fixing member so as to sandwich the liquid crystal protective sheet 520 and the liquid crystal module 530 between the frame 510 and the liquid crystal base 540. Examples of the fixing member include screws and the like.

The liquid crystal protective sheet 520 is a rectangular plate-shaped member arranged on the front surface of the liquid crystal module 530. The liquid crystal protective sheet 520 is formed of, for example, a PET material or a glass material, and is, for example, colorless and transparent.

The liquid crystal module 530 is, for example, a transmissive type and is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The liquid crystal module 530 is formed to include a liquid crystal layer, a polarizing filter, a color filter, a glass substrate, an alignment film, a transparent electrode, a backlight, and the like, and has a multi-layer structure. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the liquid crystal module 530 as viewed from the back side (rear side). The liquid crystal module 530 includes an FPC (wiring means) 531 and is electrically connected to the liquid crystal control board 550 via the FPC 531. In this embodiment, FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 531 is used as the wiring means. The material of the FPC531 is, for example, a PET film or a polyimide film, and an electric circuit is wired in the film. The FPC 531 extends from a substantially central portion on one long side of the liquid crystal module 530 toward the back surface side.

The explanation will be returned to FIG. The liquid crystal base 540 is a member having a substantially rectangular plate shape, and is formed so as to hold the liquid crystal module 530 on the front side thereof and the liquid crystal control substrate 550 on the back side thereof. The liquid crystal base 540 is made of, for example, a resin. Further, the liquid crystal base 540 is provided with a substantially rectangular through hole 541 at a position facing the FPC 531. The FPC531 is guided to the back side (liquid crystal control substrate 550 side) of the liquid crystal base 540 through the through hole 541.

The liquid crystal control board 550 is a plate-shaped member on which a plurality of electronic components are mounted (arranged). FIG. 19 is a view (plan view) of the liquid crystal control substrate 550 as viewed from the back side. Electronic components mounted on the liquid crystal control board 550 include a resistor (R), an IC, a capacitor, a coil, a diode, and the like.
As shown in FIG. 17, the liquid crystal cover 560 is a member having a substantially rectangular plate shape, and is formed so as to cover the back surface side of the liquid crystal control substrate 550. The liquid crystal cover 560 is made of, for example, a resin. The liquid crystal cover 560 is fixed to the liquid crystal base 540 by a fixing member so that the liquid crystal control substrate 550 is sandwiched between the liquid crystal cover 560 and the liquid crystal base 540. Examples of the fixing member include screws and the like.

As shown in FIG. 19, the connector 551 is mounted on the liquid crystal control board 550. The connector 551 is electrically connected to the liquid crystal control board 550. In this embodiment, an angle type connector is used as the connector 551. The connector 551 is a female connector for FPC that can be fitted with the FPC (wiring means) 531 (see FIG. 18). FIG. 20 is a side view of the liquid crystal control board 550. The angle type is a surface E (fitting surface E) that fits (connects) with the FPC 531 when mounted on the liquid crystal control board 550. (Opening surface E) refers to a surface perpendicular to the substrate surface. It can be said that the insertion / removal direction of the FPC 531 is parallel to the substrate surface.

As shown in FIG. 19, the connector 551 is arranged inside (center portion side) of the liquid crystal control board 550, not at the end portion on the outer peripheral side of the liquid crystal control board 550. The reason why the connector 551 is provided on the central portion side of the liquid crystal control board 550 as described above is that, for example, an FPC 531 having a predetermined length is used. If the connector 551 is provided at the outer peripheral end of the liquid crystal control board 550 while using the FPC 531 having a predetermined length, the path of the FPC 531 protrudes to the outside of the liquid crystal control board 550. This leads to an increase in the size of the liquid crystal unit 500, which hinders space saving (miniaturization).

FIG. 21 shows a state in which the FPC 531 is fitted to the connector 551, and the FPC 531 is pulled out (extended) from the connector 551. At this time, there is a region (range) in which the FPC 531 and the liquid crystal control board 550 face each other, and the FPC 531 and the liquid crystal control board 550 are in close proximity to each other in that region. If electronic components such as resistors and ICs are mounted in that region, that is, at a position directly below the path of the FPC531, the FPC531 and the electronic components are in close proximity to each other. In this case, there is a possibility that the FPC531 may fail due to the heat released from the electronic component, or the high temperature electronic component may fail.

FIG. 22 shows a state in which the FPC 531 is removed from the connector 551. In the present embodiment, mounting is prohibited in the position directly below the path of the FPC 531 on the liquid crystal control board 550, that is, the region (range) facing the FPC 531 on the liquid crystal control board 550 where no electronic component is arranged (the electronic component is not mounted). Area G is used. By providing the mounting prohibited area G in this way, even when the connector 551 is arranged at a position other than the outer peripheral end of the liquid crystal control board 550, for example, near the center of the liquid crystal control board 550, the FPC 531 and the electronic components are provided. There is no proximity to the parts. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as failure of the FPC531 due to heat released from the electronic component and failure of the electronic component that has become hot.
No electronic components are arranged in the mounting prohibited area G, and no through holes, wiring patterns, or the like are formed. In other words, no electronic components are arranged in the mounting prohibited area G, and no processing is performed. By forming the mounting prohibited area G in this way, there is nothing that hinders the insertion of the FPC 531 into the connector 551, and workability is improved. In addition, since it is not processed, inspection (quality control) is facilitated, and the time required for manufacturing can be shortened (that is, productivity is improved). Moreover, since it is not processed, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the case where the FPC 531 having a predetermined length is used and the connector 551 is arranged on the central portion side of the liquid crystal control board 550 is shown. For example, when the shorter length FPC531 is used, the connector 551 is used. Can be arranged on the outer peripheral side of the liquid crystal control board 550. In the present embodiment, the connector 551 is arranged at a position other than the outer peripheral end of the liquid crystal control board 550, because the fitting surface E (see FIG. 20) of the connector 551 is the outer peripheral side surface of the liquid crystal control board 550. It means that the mating surfaces E are located inside the outer peripheral side surface (outer peripheral end) of the liquid crystal control board 550, and the mounting prohibited area G is a case where electronic components are tentatively arranged. The size is such that at least one electronic component (for example, a chip resistor) can be arranged (mounted). The electronic components include ICs, resistors, capacitors, LEDs and the like.

The liquid crystal unit 500 according to the present embodiment is provided near the operation unit and may be subject to vibration. However, due to the mounting prohibited area G, the FPC 531 has moved (shook) due to the vibration. Even in this case, the FPC531 does not come into contact with the electronic components, and for example, image distortion of the liquid crystal can be prevented. Further, since the mounting prohibited area G is provided, the FPC531 and the electronic component do not come into contact with each other, and the electronic component can be prevented from being detached from the liquid crystal control board 550 by receiving a force from the FPC531. Further, since the mounting prohibited area G is provided and the electronic components are not mounted, the FPC 531 can be smoothly inserted into the connector 551 when the worker or the like inserts the FPC 531 into the connector 551, and the workability is improved.

As shown in FIG. 23, the connector 551 may include a holding portion 552 rotatably supported around the axis. When the FPC 531 is inserted into the connector 551 with the holding portion 552 open and the holding portion 552 is closed in that state, the fitting between the FPC 531 and the connector 551 is locked.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, a wall-shaped convex portion 561 may be erected at a position of the liquid crystal cover 560 facing the holding portion 552 of the connector 551. The convex portion 561 is provided to prevent the holding portion 552 of the connector 551 from opening. A slight gap is provided between the holding portion 552 and the convex portion 561. By providing the convex portion 561, it is possible to reliably prevent the FPC 531 from coming off the connector 551.

Further, in FIG. 23, the connector 551 and the electronic component T1 (for example, IC) are arranged so that the left end of the connector 551 and the right end of the electronic component T1 are on the same straight line or substantially on the same straight line. There is. At this time, a minute gap is provided between the right end of the electronic component T1 and the left end of the FPC 531. Therefore, when the FPC 531 is inserted into the connector 551, the electronic component T1 does not interfere with the workability.

In this embodiment, the case where FPC531 is used as an example of the wiring means is shown. The FPC is a flexible printed circuit board (flexible printed wiring board), and a plurality of electric circuits (wiring) are formed on an insulating film. Signals and power can be sent via the plurality of wires.
FIG. 30 is a view of the FPC 531 viewed from the substrate surface side. The substrate (not shown) is located on the front side. In the present embodiment, the FPC531 has a copper foil layer (circuit) adhered to one side of the base film (polyimide), and a cover film (polyimide) covers the circuit at a portion other than the connection portion 531a (that is, the cable portion 531b). ) Is glued (crimped). The connection portion 531a is a portion connected (inserted) to the connector 551 (see FIG. 23), and the terminal (circuit) is exposed. The terminals may be surface-treated (for example, nickel-plated). Further, the portion other than the connecting portion 531a is the cable portion 531b, and the cable portion 531b faces the substrate. Further, the area of the board facing the cable portion 531b is a mounting prohibited area G (see FIG. 22). When the wiring means is FPC531, electronic components such as resistors may be mounted in a region of the cable portion 531b on the substrate side that does not face the substrate (for example, region J in FIG. 30). Further, in the present embodiment, the FPC 531 is a single layer (one side) FPC, but a double-sided FPC or a multi-layer FPC may be used.
Further, FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) may be used as the wiring means. The FFC is formed by sandwiching a plurality of wirings (conductors) from above and below with an insulating film (for example, a polyimide film) via an adhesive. In this case, a female connector for FFC may be used as the connector 551. Even when the FFC is used, a connection portion 531a (for example, a connector for FFC) which is a portion connected to the connector 551 and a cable portion 531b which is a portion excluding the connection portion 531a are provided. The cable portion 531b faces the substrate.
FPC and FFC can be said to be a thin sheet-like (film-like) flat cable. Since the flat cable has a predetermined width, a region facing the liquid crystal control substrate 550 is likely to be formed. Therefore, it is more effective to provide the mounting prohibited area G.

Further, as the wiring means, a harness (wire harness) in which a plurality of two or more electric wires (wiring) (cables) are bundled may be used. The harness is provided with one male connector (connection portion 531a) having a predetermined number of poles at the tips of a plurality of electric wires (cable portion 531b). In that case, a female connector that can be fitted with the male connector is used as the connector 551, and the male connector (connection portion 531a) is inserted into the connector 551. At this time, the cable portion 531b faces the substrate.
The wiring means has at least two wires, but more preferably four or more wires, and further preferably eight or more wires. If you have 8 wires, you can send a 1-byte signal.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where an angle type connector is used as an example of the connector 551 is shown, but a straight type connector, that is, a connector in which the insertion / removal direction of the FPC 531 is perpendicular to the substrate surface, in other words, the fitting surface E ( A connector whose (see FIG. 20) is parallel to the substrate surface may be used.
When the connector 551 is a straight type connector, the bending amount of the FPC (wiring means) 531 is larger than that of the angle type connector, and the stress applied to the FPC 531 is increased, so that there is a risk of disconnection, for example. .. On the other hand, in the angle type connector, the load due to bending is small, so such a problem does not occur. Further, in the case of a straight type connector, the FPC 531 is curved in a mountain shape in the direction away from the substrate. Therefore, the size of the liquid crystal cover 560 must be increased so as not to interfere with the FPC 531. That is, it hinders miniaturization (space saving). On the other hand, in the angle type connector, since the FPC 531 passes through a position closer to the substrate, such a problem does not occur. Further, in the case of the angle type connector, since the FPC 531 is closer to the substrate, if the electronic component is arranged on the substrate, the distance from the electronic component becomes small. Therefore, it is more effective to provide the mounting prohibited area G as in the present embodiment. Further, when an angle type connector is used, as described above, a shape (convex portion 561 of the liquid crystal cover 560) that prevents the holding portion 552 of the connector 551 from opening can be provided. Therefore, the FPC 531 can be prevented from easily disconnecting from the connector 551.

Further, although not shown, at least one through hole (via hole) can be provided in the mounting prohibited area G. By providing a through hole in the mounting prohibited area G, it is possible to obtain the effect of improving the resistance to noise. Further, by providing a through hole in the mounting prohibited area G, an air passage between the space on the front side (player side) of the liquid crystal control board 550 and the space on the rear side (rear side) of the liquid crystal control board 550 can be provided. It is formed so that both spaces can communicate with each other, and a heat dissipation effect can be obtained. For example, electronic components can be mounted on the front side surface of the liquid crystal control board 550 (the surface on the liquid crystal base 540 side) (the surface opposite to the surface on which the connector 551 is mounted). In that case, heat is also generated on the front side of the liquid crystal control board 550, but by providing the through hole, the heat is diffused to the whole (including the space on the rear side), and the liquid crystal control board 550. It is possible to prevent the failure of electronic parts due to the high temperature of only the space on the front side of the liquid crystal.

Further, although not shown, at least one wiring pattern can be provided in the mounting prohibited area G. By providing the wiring pattern in the mounting prohibited area G in this way, the degree of freedom in circuit design is increased and the design efficiency is improved. Further, when the wiring pattern is not provided in the mounting prohibited area G, there is a possibility that the wiring pattern cannot be drawn unless the size of the board is made larger, but it is possible to prevent the problem of such an increase in size. it can.

Further, in the present embodiment, the mounting prohibited area G is provided on the liquid crystal control board 550, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other boards may be provided. The other boards include a sub-board 210, an LED board, a liquid crystal board, a power supply board, a relay board that relays from the sub-board 210 to the LED board, and the like.

Next, the configuration of the end portion of the sub-board unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 24 (a) is a schematic view (plan view) of the sub-board unit 200 viewed from the back side, and FIG. 24 (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VV shown in FIG. 24 (a). is there. FIG. 24C is a schematic view (plan view) of the sub-board 210 as viewed from the back side. Although not shown, electronic components and the like are mounted on the sub-board 210. Examples of electronic components include resistors, ICs, capacitors, coils, diodes and the like.
The sub-board case 220 (hereinafter referred to as the case 220) is made of, for example, a transparent resin, and has a substantially concave cross section in the vertical direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 24 (c), the connector 211 is mounted on the sub-board 210. The connector 211 is an angle type female connector and is electrically connected to the sub-board 210.
Hereinafter, among the four sides of the outer circumference of the sub-board 210, a predetermined one side is referred to as an end portion (outer peripheral end) α. Further, the opening (opening surface) of the connector 211 (the surface into which the male connector is inserted) is defined as the opening β. In this example, the opening β of the connector 211 faces the end α side of the sub-board 210, and the opening β and the end α are parallel to each other. Further, a predetermined distance is secured between the opening β and the end α. The predetermined distance is, for example, about 2 to 3 mm. Further, one side of the case 220 located on the same side as the end portion α of the sub-board 210 (the side corresponding to the end portion α) is referred to as an end portion (outer peripheral end) γ.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the end α of the sub-board 210, the opening β of the connector 211, and the end γ of the case 220. In FIG. 25A, the opening β of the connector 211 and the end γ of the case 220 overlap and coincide with each other in a plan view. In other words, the end γ of the case 220 is located directly above the opening β of the connector 211. In this state, it can be said that the connector 211 is located inside the end portion γ of the case 220. In other words, there is a case 220 above the connector 211.

In FIG. 25 (a), the end portion γ of the case 220 is shown to be a straight line, but as shown in FIG. 25 (b), a U-shape is formed at a position facing the connector 211 in the case 220. A notch may be formed so that the inside (inner peripheral end) (inner peripheral surface) of the notch constitutes the end portion γ. Hereinafter, when the case 220 is provided with a U-shaped notch, the end portion inside the notch and parallel to the end portion α and the opening β is referred to as an end portion γ. Even in the case shown in FIG. 25B, the opening β and the end γ are overlapped and coincide with each other in a plan view.

FIG. 25 (c) shows a state in which the connector (male connector) 250 of the harness is fitted to the connector 211 in the state shown in FIG. 25 (b). The connector 250 is located outside the end γ of the case 220. In other words, there is no case 220 above the connector 250.

According to such a positional relationship of the ends, the connector 211 is located inside the end γ of the case 220, and the case 220 exists on the connector 211, so that the operator or the like can see the upper side in a plan view. The connector 211 cannot be touched from. As a result, it is possible to prevent the connector 211 from being damaged due to the force (load) being applied to the connector 211 and the connector 211 from being detached from the sub-board 210.
Further, since the connector (male connector) 250 is located outside the end portion γ of the case 220, an operator or the like can touch the connector 250 from the upper side in a plan view. Therefore, the claw portion (not shown) of the connector 250 can be pushed to easily release the fitting with the connector 211, and the workability is improved. Further, as shown in FIG. 25 (c), assuming that the end (end face) of the connector 250 on the wiring (cable) side is the end δ, the end δ protrudes outside the end α of the sub-board 210. There is. Therefore, the operator or the like can more easily pinch the connector 250, and the connector 250 can be more easily inserted and removed.

Next, another configuration example of the end α of the sub-board 210, the opening β of the connector 211, and the end γ of the case 220 will be described with reference to FIG. 26.
In this example, in a plan view, the end α of the sub-board 210, the opening β of the connector 211, and the end γ of the case 220 all overlap and coincide with each other. In other words, the end α of the sub-board 210, the opening β of the connector 211, and the end γ of the case 220 are located on the same straight line.

According to such a positional relationship of the ends, the connector 211 is located inside the end γ of the case 220, and the case 220 exists on the connector 211, so that the operator or the like can see the upper side in a plan view. The connector 211 cannot be touched from. As a result, it is possible to prevent the connector 211 from being damaged due to the force (load) being applied to the connector 211 and the connector 211 from being detached from the sub-board 210. Further, in a plan view, the end α of the sub-board 210 and the end γ of the case 220 coincide with each other, and the sub-board 210 is covered with the case 220, so that foreign matter or the like adheres to the sub-board 210. Can be prevented.
Further, since the connector (male connector) 250 is located outside the end portion γ of the case 220, an operator or the like can touch the connector 250 from the upper side in a plan view. Therefore, the claw portion (not shown) of the connector 250 can be pushed to easily release the fitting with the connector 211, and the workability is improved. Further, since the connector 250 protrudes outward from the end portion α of the sub-board 210, the operator or the like can more easily pinch the connector 250, and the connector 250 can be more easily inserted and removed.

Next, another configuration example of the end α of the sub-board 210, the opening β of the connector 211, and the end γ of the case 220 will be described with reference to FIG. 27. In FIG. 27, in a plan view, the end portion δ on the wiring side of the connector 250 and the end portion α of the sub-board 210 overlap and coincide with each other. It can be said that the end portion δ of the connector 250 serves as an outer peripheral side surface of the sub-board 210.
When the end δ on the wiring side of the connector 250 protrudes outside the end α of the sub-board 210, the sub-board 210 that functions as a wall does not exist, so that the connector 250 is hit by a finger, for example. 250 was susceptible to force (external force) (impact). Therefore, when the connector 250 receives a force, there is a possibility that the connector 250 and the connector 211 may be disengaged from each other, or the connector 211 may be disengaged from the sub-board 210. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, when the end δ on the wiring side of the connector 250 is aligned with the end α of the sub-board 210, the connector 250 protrudes outside the end α of the sub-board 210. Since there is no such thing, it is difficult for fingers and the like to hit it, and the connector 250 is not easily subjected to force. Thereby, the occurrence of the above problem can be prevented.

Next, another configuration example of the end α of the sub-board 210, the opening β of the connector 211, and the end γ of the case 220 will be described with reference to FIG. 28.
As shown in FIG. 28A, the end portion (end face) of the connector 211 on the side opposite to the opening β (inside the substrate) is defined as the end portion ε. In this example, in the plan view, the end portion γ of the case 220 is located inside the end portion ε (inside the substrate). That is, the connector 211 is located outside the end portion γ of the case 220 (outside the substrate), and the case 220 does not exist on the connector 211. As shown in FIG. 28B, the end portion γ of the case 220 and the end portion ε of the connector 211 may be aligned with each other in a plan view.

According to such a positional relationship of the ends, since the connector 211 is located outside the end γ of the case 220 (outside the substrate), the operator or the like holds the upper portion of the connector 211 while holding the connector 250. Can be inserted into the connector 211. As a result, it is possible to prevent the connector 211 from being detached from the sub-board 210 due to the force (insertion force) when the connector 250 is inserted into the connector 211. In particular, when the connector 211 is surface-mounted instead of through-hole mounted, the surface-mounted connector easily comes off from the board when it receives a force (adhesive strength is low), so it is more effective to configure it as in this example. It becomes.

Although FIGS. 24 to 28 show an example in which one connector 211 is mounted on the sub-board 210, as shown in FIG. 29, a plurality of connectors 211 are configured to be arranged side by side on the sub-board 210. You may.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the main back box board unit 700 of the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 (first embodiment) will be used, but the present content will be described in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (second embodiment). ) Can also be applied to the main board unit used.
FIG. 35A is a front view of the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the front door 112 (see FIG. 1) is removed. The main back box board unit 700 is located inside the housing (back box) 111, next to the main board unit 400 (on the right side when viewed from the front). The main board unit including the main board unit 400 and the main back box board unit 700 includes a main board (main board) and is covered with a case from the viewpoint of fraud prevention.

FIG. 35B is an exploded perspective view of the main back box substrate unit 700 and the bracket 799 supporting the main back box substrate unit 700 from the back side as viewed from the front side. The main back box substrate unit 700 includes a substrate case 710 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a case 710) and a main back box substrate 720 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a substrate 720). Electronic components such as capacitors and a connector (female connector) 721 are arranged (mounted) on the substrate 720. Hereinafter, the surface of the substrate 720 on which the electronic components and the connector 721 are arranged is referred to as a component arrangement surface Z.

The case 710 is formed in a box shape, and the surface on the back surface side (the substrate 720 side) is open. The case 710 includes a top plate portion 711 facing the component arranging surface Z, and a side plate portion 712 provided perpendicular to the top plate portion 711 along the outer periphery of the top plate portion 711. When the substrate 720 is arranged inside, the side plate portion 712 faces the side surface (outer peripheral surface) of the substrate 720. Further, the end portion of the side plate portion 712 opposite to the top plate portion 711 side is a case opening 714 (shown in FIG. 39). The case 710 has a concave cross section and is formed so as to be able to cover the substrate 720. In other words, the case 710 is formed so that the substrate 720 can be arranged (installed) inside. Further, the case 710 is made of a transparent resin so that the internal substrate 720 can be visually recognized from the front side.

As shown in FIG. 35 (b), a connector opening 713 is formed at a position of the top plate portion 711 corresponding to (opposing) the connector 721. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which a plurality of connectors 721 are arranged on the substrate 720, and a plurality of connector openings 713 are provided so as to correspond to the plurality of connectors 721. However, at least one connector 721 and at least one connector opening 713 may be provided. The connector opening 713 is provided so that a male connector (not shown) can be fitted to the connector 721 (that is, to expose the connector 721).

FIG. 36 is a view of the main back box substrate unit 700 as viewed from the front side. Further, FIG. 37 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line CC shown in FIG. 36. Further, FIG. 37 (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line DD shown in FIG. 36. Note that in FIGS. 37 (a) and 37 (b), hatching indicating that the cross section is used is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 37 (a), the outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral side surface) of the connector 721, which is perpendicular to the component arrangement surface Z of the substrate 720, is referred to as the connector outer peripheral surface 721a. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713 is designated as the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a. The outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a face each other. When the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a is provided with a taper, the portion where the gap with the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a is the narrowest (the portion closest to the connector) is defined as the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a. In the present embodiment, the case where the connector 721 and the connector opening 713 are each rectangular is shown, but when the connector 721 is square (in plan view), the connector opening 713 is square. That is, the connector opening 713 may have a shape that follows the outer shape of the connector 721.

As shown in FIG. 37 (a), the longitudinal dimension (horizontal dimension) of the outer shape of the connector 721 is defined as dimension AL1. Further, the longitudinal dimension (horizontal dimension) of the connector opening 713 (dimension between the pair of opposing connector opening inner peripheral surfaces 713a) is defined as dimension BL1. Further, as shown in FIG. 37 (b), the lateral dimension (vertical dimension) of the outer shape of the connector 721 is defined as the dimension AL2. Further, the lateral dimension (vertical dimension) of the connector opening 713 (dimension between the pair of opposing connector opening inner peripheral surfaces 713a) is defined as dimension BL2.

In the present embodiment, the difference between the dimension BL1 and the dimension AL1 (dimension BL1-dimension AL1) is about 2 mm. Further, the difference between the dimension BL2 and the dimension AL2 (dimension BL2-dimension AL2) is also about 2 mm. That is, the difference M (dimensional difference M) (gap M) (first difference) between the opening dimension of the connector opening 713 in the predetermined direction and the external dimension of the connector 721 in the same direction is about 2 mm. .. The predetermined direction is a direction along the outer peripheral surface (plane perpendicular to the component arrangement surface Z) of the connector 721, and is two directions (first direction and second direction) orthogonal to each other. In the present embodiment, the predetermined directions are the direction along the longitudinal direction of the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721 (direction in FIG. 37 (a)) (first direction) and the direction along the lateral direction of the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721 (the direction in the lateral direction). There is a direction in FIG. 37 (b) (second direction). When the connector 721 is located at the center of the connector opening 713, a gap of about 1 mm is formed over the entire circumference between the connector outer peripheral surface 721a and the connector opening inner peripheral surface 713a. By forming a small gap between the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a in this way, it becomes difficult to insert an instrument or the like, and fraud can be prevented.

Further, electronic components such as resistors and capacitors are not arranged on the substrate 720 at a position corresponding to the gap (gap) between the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a. That is, the electronic component is not visible through the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a. Therefore, even if the instrument or the like is inserted through the gap, the instrument or the like does not come into contact with the electronic component because the electronic component does not exist directly under the gap. As a result, countermeasures against fraud can be further strengthened.

FIG. 38 is a view of the main back box substrate unit 700 as viewed from the back side.
The substrate 720 is arranged inside the case 710, and the substrate 720 is first arranged (temporarily placed) inside the case 710. Next, the substrate 720 is tightened with screws or the like (not shown) in a plurality of mounting holes MH (four locations at the four corners in the present embodiment) coaxially provided on both the case 710 and the substrate 720. Is fixed to the case 710. Here, as described with reference to FIG. 37, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a is small. Therefore, if the board 720 is simply placed (temporarily placed) inside the case 710, or if the position of the board 720 shifts in the screw tightening process, the connector outer peripheral surface 721a and the connector opening inner peripheral surface 713a May come into contact with. When the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a come into contact with each other, there is a possibility that the connector 721 may be deformed or damaged, or the connector 721 may come off from the substrate 720. This leads to a decrease in the quality of the gaming machine.

Next, a structure for preventing the occurrence of such a problem will be described. FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the case 710 as viewed from the rear side. Hereinafter, the inner peripheral surface of the side plate portion 712 of the case 710 will be referred to as the inner peripheral surface 712a. The inner peripheral surface 712a serves to regulate the position of the substrate 720 (before screw tightening) arranged inside the case 710. In the present embodiment, a plurality of (7 locations) position regulating portions 730 are further provided on the inner peripheral surface 712a. When the position regulation unit 730 is provided, the position regulation unit 730 has a function of regulating the position of the substrate 720.

The position regulating portion 730 is formed in a rib shape. The position regulating section 730 of the present embodiment includes position regulating sections 731a, 731b, 732a, 732b that regulate the movement (movement) of the substrate 720 in the lateral direction (horizontal direction), and the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the substrate 720. ) There are position regulation units 733a, 733b, 733c that regulate the movement (movement). The position regulating portion 730 is formed in an L shape in which the portion on the top plate portion 711 side projects inward from the portion on the case opening 714 side. The position regulating portion 730 has a support portion 730A having a surface that contacts (contacts) the component arrangement surface Z of the substrate 720, and a regulating portion 730B having a surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the substrate 720 via a predetermined gap. Have.

The dimension between the pair of side plate portions 712 and 712 facing each other refers to the dimension between the pair of position regulating portions 730 and 730 facing each other when the position regulating portion 730 is provided, and the position regulating portion 730 is provided. If not, it refers to the dimension between the pair of side plate portions 712 and 712 (inner peripheral surfaces 712a, 712a) facing each other.

FIG. 40 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line HH shown in FIG. 38. FIG. 40 (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line II shown in FIG. 38. Note that in FIGS. 40 (a) and 40 (b), hatching indicating that the cross section is used is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 40 (a), the dimension between the pair of side plate portions 712 and 712 facing each other, that is, the dimension between the pair of position regulating portions 731a and 731b is defined as the dimension CL1. Although not shown, the dimension between the pair of position regulating portions 732a and 732b is also dimension CL1. Further, the dimension of the substrate 720 in the left-right direction (short direction) is defined as the dimension DL1. As shown in FIG. 40 (b), the dimension between the pair of side plate portions 712 and 712 facing each other, that is, the dimension between the pair of position regulating portions 733a and 733b (straight line distance, shortest distance) is defined as the dimension CL2. Although not shown, the dimension between the pair of position regulating portions 733a and 733c is also dimension CL2. Further, the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) of the substrate 720 is defined as the dimension DL2.

In the present embodiment, the difference between the dimension CL1 and the dimension DL1 (dimension CL1-dimension DL1) is about 1 mm. Further, the difference between the dimension CL2 and the dimension DL2 (dimension CL2-dimension DL2) is also about 1 mm. That is, the difference (dimension N) (gap N) (second difference) between the case inner dimension between the pair of side plate portions 712 facing each other in the predetermined direction and the external dimension of the substrate 720 in the same direction is about 1 mm. It has become. The predetermined direction is two directions (planar view) orthogonal to each other along the outer shape (outer peripheral surface) of the substrate 720. In the present embodiment, there is a direction along the lateral direction of the outer shape of the substrate 720 (direction in FIG. 40 (a)) and a direction along the longitudinal direction of the outer shape of the substrate 720 (direction in FIG. 40 (b)). When the substrate 720 is arranged in the center of the case 710, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the substrate 720 and the side plate portion 712 (position regulating portion 730) of the case 710 is about 0.5 mm, respectively. In the present embodiment, the dimensional difference N is set to about 1 mm, but this dimensional difference N can be set within the range of about 0.4 mm to about 1 mm. If the dimensional difference N is about 0.4 mm, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the substrate 720 and the side plate portion 712 (position regulating portion 730) of the case 710 is about 0.2 mm, respectively.

In the present embodiment, the case 710 includes a top plate portion 711 facing the surface on which the connector 721 of the substrate 720 is arranged, and a side plate portion 712 formed along the outer periphery of the top plate portion 711. A connector opening 713 formed at a position corresponding to the connector 721 of the top plate portion 711 is provided, and the difference between the opening dimension of the connector opening 713 in a predetermined direction and the external dimension of the connector 721 in the same direction is first. (Dimensional difference M), the difference between the case inner dimension between the pair of side plate portions 712 and 712 facing each other in the predetermined direction (in the predetermined direction) and the external dimension of the substrate 720 in the same direction is the second difference. If (dimensional difference N), the first difference is larger than the second difference. Therefore, when the board 720 is arranged inside the case 710 (before screw tightening) (when assembling the case 710 and the board 720), or when the position of the board 720 is temporarily displaced during the screw tightening process. Even if there is, the outer peripheral surface of the substrate 720 and the side plate portion 712 (inner peripheral surface 712a) of the case 710 are contacted before the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a come into contact (contact) (interference). Contact (contact). Therefore, no stress (load) is applied to the connector 721, and it is possible to prevent the connector 721 from being deformed or damaged and the problem that the connector 721 is detached from the substrate 720. As a result, it is possible to prevent the quality of the gaming machine from deteriorating.

In the present embodiment, the case where the dimensional difference M is about 2 mm is shown, but the dimensional difference M may be a value larger than the dimensional difference N. Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the rib-shaped position regulating portion 730 is provided is shown. When the position regulating portion 730 is provided, the dimension between the ribs may be controlled, so that the dimension management becomes easier as compared with the case where the dimension between the faces is managed. Further, if the backlash of the substrate 720 is large, the mold of the position regulating portion 730 may be adjusted (corrected), so that countermeasures can be easily taken and the construction period can be shortened. It should be noted that providing the position regulating unit 730 is particularly effective when the size of the substrate 720 is larger than the predetermined size. This is because it becomes difficult to control the dimensions between the faces. On the other hand, when the size of the substrate 720 is smaller than a predetermined size, or when the accuracy can be sufficiently ensured even if the dimensions between the surfaces are controlled, it is not necessary to provide the position regulating unit 730. That is, the dimensions between the pair of side plate portions 712 and 712 facing each other may be the dimensions CL1 and CL2.

Further, in the present embodiment, it is shown that the four sides of the substrate 720 are surrounded by the side plate portion 712 of the case 710. That is, all the outer peripheral side surfaces of the substrate 720 face the side plate portion 712 of the case 710. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one side plate portion 712 of the four side plate portions 712 of the case 710 may not be provided. That is, of the four side plate portions 712 of the case 710, at least one side plate portion 712 is not provided and may be opened. In that case, for example, a positioning boss is provided on the top plate portion 711 of the case 710, and a boss hole is provided on the substrate 720 at a position facing the positioning boss. Then, when the substrate 720 is arranged inside the case 710, the positioning boss is inserted into the boss hole. As a result, the position of the substrate 720 is also regulated by the relationship between the positioning boss and the boss hole. In this case, the difference (dimensional difference N) between the diameter of the positioning boss and the inner diameter of the boss hole is, for example, 1 mm, which is smaller than the dimensional difference M (2 mm). Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the positioning boss and the inner peripheral surface of the boss hole come into contact with each other before the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening come into contact with each other.

Further, when a plurality of connectors 721 having different outer shapes (sizes) are arranged on the substrate 720, the dimensional difference M may be the same (equivalent) for all the connectors 721. In this case, even if the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a may come into contact with each other, the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a may come into contact with each other at a plurality of locations (all connectors 721). Will come into contact at the same time. Therefore, the load (impact) at the time of contact is distributed to a plurality of connectors 721 without being concentrated on one connector 721. As a result, the connector 721 can be prevented from being deformed or damaged, and the connector 721 is less likely to come off from the substrate 720.

Further, as shown in the lower right of FIG. 36, a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) connectors 721 may be arranged side by side inside one connector opening 713. The connector opening 713 has irregularities in a plan view because it has a shape that follows the outer shape of the two connectors 721. When the two connectors 721 are located in the center of the connector opening 713, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the connector 721a and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening 713a is about 1 mm (about 2 mm on both sides, that is, a dimensional difference) over the entire circumference. It is M). In the present embodiment, two connectors 721 having different outer shapes (sizes) are arranged inside one connector opening 713, but they may have the same shape. Further, two or more connectors 721 may be arranged inside one connector opening 713. Further, the gap between two adjacent connectors 721 is 2 mm or less. By forming the gap between the connectors small in this way, it becomes difficult to insert an instrument or the like between the connectors, and countermeasures against fraud can be strengthened.

In the above description, the main board unit (main back box board unit 700) has been described. Next, the sub-board unit will be described with reference to the sub-board unit 600 shown in FIG. This content can also be applied to a sub-system substrate unit used in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (second embodiment).
As shown in FIG. 31B, the sub-board unit 600 has a sub-board 210 and a case 220 that covers the sub-board 210. Further, the case 220 is provided with an opening (referred to as a connector opening) for exposing the connector CN. That is, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the connector CN and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening.

In the sub-board unit 600, the difference M (dimension difference M) between the dimension of the connector opening in the predetermined direction and the external dimension of the connector CN in the same direction is about 4 mm. That is, when the connector CN is located at the center of the connector opening, a gap of about 2 mm is formed over the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface of the connector CN and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening. Further, although the case 220 has a side plate portion, the difference N (dimension difference N) between the case inner dimension between the pair of side plate portions facing each other in a predetermined direction and the external dimension of the sub-board 210 in the same direction is , Approximately 1 mm. That is, when the sub-board 210 is arranged in the center of the case 220, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the sub-board 210 and the inner peripheral surface of the case 220 is about 0.5 mm. Note that FIG. 31 shows only the dimensional difference M and the dimensional difference N in one direction (longitudinal direction of the sub-board unit 600), but the direction orthogonal to the dimensional difference M and the dimensional difference N are also shown in the same direction. It has become.

Since the dimensional difference M is larger than the dimensional difference N in this way, even if the position of the sub-board 210 is displaced, the outer peripheral surface of the connector CN and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening come into contact with each other. Prior to this, the outer peripheral surface of the sub-board 210 and the inner peripheral surface (side plate portion) of the case 220 come into contact with each other. Therefore, no stress (load) is applied to the connector CN, and it is possible to prevent the connector CN from being deformed or damaged and the problem that the connector CN comes off from the substrate 210.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, in the sub-board unit, the knob 330 of the volume adjustment switch 300 protrudes through the case opening (volume adjustment opening) 224 formed in the case 220. At this time, the difference M (dimensional difference M) between the diameter of the knob 330 and the inner diameter of the volume adjusting opening 224 is about 4 mm. That is, when the knob 330 is located at the center of the volume adjustment opening 224, a gap of about 2 mm is formed over the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface of the knob 330 and the inner peripheral surface of the volume adjustment opening 224. There is. At this time, depending on the position (height) of the case 220 and the like, the inner peripheral surface of the volume adjusting opening 224 faces the outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral side surface) of the housing 310 instead of the outer peripheral surface of the knob 330. May become. In that case, the housing 310 has a quadrangle (plan view), and the volume adjusting opening 224 also has a quadrangle (plan view). Also in this case, the difference M (dimension difference M) between the opening dimension of the volume adjusting opening and the external dimension of the housing 310 is about 4 mm. That is, when the housing 310 is located at the center of the volume control opening 224, a gap of about 2 mm is formed over the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface of the housing 310 and the inner peripheral surface of the volume control opening 224. ing.

Further, a reset switch RE having a rectangular shape in a plan view is arranged on the sub-board 210. In the case 220, a reset switch opening having a rectangular shape in a plan view is formed at a position corresponding to the reset switch RE. At this time, the outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral side surface) of the reset switch RE may face the inner peripheral surface of the reset switch opening. Also in this case, the difference M (dimension difference M) between the opening dimension of the reset switch opening and the external dimension of the reset switch RE is about 4 mm. That is, when the reset switch RE is located at the center of the reset switch opening, a gap of about 2 mm is formed over the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface of the reset switch RE and the inner peripheral surface of the reset switch opening. ing.

As described above, in the sub-board unit, the dimensional difference M (about 4 mm) is formed larger than the dimensional difference N (about 1 mm) also in the volume adjusting switch 300 and the reset switch RE. Therefore, even if the position of the sub-board 210 is displaced, the outer peripheral surface of the sub-board 210 is before the knob 330 (or the housing 310) and the inner peripheral surface of the volume control opening 224 come into contact with each other. And the inner peripheral surface (side plate portion) of the case 220 come into contact with each other. Further, even if the position of the sub-board 210 is displaced, the outer peripheral surface of the sub-board 210 and the inner circumference of the case 220 are before the reset switch RE and the inner peripheral surface of the reset switch opening come into contact with each other. Contact with the surface (side plate). This makes it possible to prevent the volume control switch 300 and the reset switch RE from being deformed or damaged. Further, it is possible to prevent the volume control switch 300 and the reset switch RE from being detached from the sub-board 210.

The reset switch opening may be further provided with a lid that covers the reset switch opening. The lid portion is a quadrangular plate-shaped member, and the rotation shaft (one side) is rotatably supported by the lid support portion near the reset switch opening (upper side of the opening). By pinching the lower side of the lid (the side opposite to the rotating shaft side) and pulling it toward you, the lid rotates and opens, and the reset switch RE appears. By providing the lid portion that covers the reset switch RE in this way, it is not possible to insert an instrument or the like unless the lid portion is opened, and measures against fraud can be further strengthened. Further, a rib that protrudes from the case 220 toward the sub-board 210 and is formed so as to surround (outside) the reset switch RE may be further provided. By providing the ribs in this way, even if the lid is opened and the instrument is inserted, the presence of the rib prevents the instrument or the like from entering and the instrument or the like does not come into contact with the reset switch RE. As a result, countermeasures against fraud can be further strengthened.

Next, the sub-back box slave board unit 610, which is another sub-system board unit, will be described. As shown in FIG. 35, the sub-back box slave board unit 610 is arranged on the left side surface inside the housing (back box) 111. Although not shown, the sub-back box slave board unit 610 includes a board on which a connector is arranged and a case that covers the board, and the case is provided with a connector opening for exposing the connector. There is. The difference M (dimension difference M) between the opening dimension of the connector opening in the predetermined direction and the external dimension of the connector in the same direction is about 6 mm. That is, when the connector is located at the center of the connector opening, a gap of about 3 mm is formed over the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface of the connector and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening. Further, the case has a side plate portion, and the difference N (dimension difference N) between the case inner dimension between the pair of side plate portions facing each other in a predetermined direction and the external dimension of the substrate in the same direction is about 1 mm. It has become. That is, when the substrate is arranged in the center of the case, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the substrate and the inner peripheral surface of the case is about 0.5 mm. As described above, the sub-back box slave substrate unit 610 is also formed so that the dimensional difference M (about 6 mm) is larger than the dimensional difference N (about 1 mm). Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the substrate and the inner peripheral surface of the case come into contact with each other before the outer peripheral surface of the connector and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening come into contact with each other. As a result, it is possible to prevent the connector from being deformed or damaged and the problem that the connector is detached from the board.

Here, when the dimensional difference M between the main system substrate unit and the sub system substrate unit is compared, the dimensional difference M (about 4 mm or about 6 mm) of the sub system substrate unit is the dimensional difference M of the main system substrate unit. It is larger than M (about 2 mm). The maximum value of the dimensional difference M of the sub-board unit is 2X when the connector width (shorter width) is X mm. For example, when the connector width is 5 mm, the maximum value of the dimensional difference M is 10 mm. At this time, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the connector and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening is 5 mm over the entire circumference, and it becomes difficult to arrange another connector in the gap.

In the main system, when the substrate is arranged inside the case, it is necessary to arrange the substrate so as to lower it from the direction perpendicular to the top plate portion of the case. On the other hand, in the sub system, when arranging the board inside the case, hook one side of the board on the claw part of the case (insert it diagonally), and then push the opposite side of the board (in the sub system). It can be a structure that is placed in the case (in an arc). When such a structure is adopted, in the sub system, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the connector and the inner peripheral surface of the connector opening is secured larger than that in the main system, thereby avoiding interference between the connector and the case.

In the present embodiment, the substrate is screwed to the substrate case, but the substrate case may be screwed to the substrate. Further, although a screw is used as a fixing member for fixing the substrate to the substrate case, a pin or the like may be used. As a pin, for example, the diameter becomes smaller when passing through a hole (through hole provided in a substrate and a substrate case), but after passing through the hole, the diameter at both ends becomes larger and the pin is prevented from coming off at both ends. Some parts are formed. When such a pin is used, the substrate and the substrate case will not come off from the pin unless the retaining portion is pinched to reduce the diameter.

A power switch is provided at the lower left inside the PO portion shown in FIG. 35, that is, the housing (back box) 111. Note that FIG. 35 shows a state in which the power switch is covered with a lid. Here, a case where the power switch is mounted on a board and the board is covered with a case will be described. The case is provided with a power opening for exposing the power switch. The difference M (dimension difference M) between the opening dimension of the power supply opening in the predetermined direction and the external dimension of the power supply switch in the same direction is about 6 mm. That is, when the power switch is located at the center of the power opening, a gap of about 3 mm is formed over the entire circumference between the outer peripheral surface of the power switch and the inner peripheral surface of the power opening. Further, the case has a side plate portion, and the difference N (dimension difference N) between the case inner dimension between the pair of side plate portions facing each other in a predetermined direction and the external dimension of the substrate in the same direction is about 1 mm. It has become. That is, when the substrate is arranged in the center of the case, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the substrate and the inner peripheral surface (side plate portion) of the case is about 0.5 mm. As described above, the power supply unit is also formed so that the dimensional difference M (about 6 mm) is larger than the dimensional difference N (about 1 mm). Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the substrate and the inner peripheral surface of the case come into contact with each other before the outer peripheral surface of the power switch and the inner peripheral surface of the power supply opening come into contact with each other. As a result, it is possible to prevent the power switch from being deformed or damaged, or the problem that the power switch is detached from the board.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, the reel lighting board unit of the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 (first embodiment) will be described, but the present content is not limited to the lighting for the reel, and the other in the slot machine 100. (For example, the lighting device of the upper door 112a) can also be applied. Further, it can be applied to each lighting device in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (second embodiment).

FIG. 41 (a) is a perspective view of the liquid crystal display device LCD and the reel unit RU in an integrated state as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 41 (b) is a perspective view of the liquid crystal display device LCD and the reel unit RU as viewed from the rear side. Between the liquid crystal display device LCD and the reel unit RU, a lighting substrate unit (details will be described later) for irradiating the reels 131 to 133 shown in FIG. 1 with light is provided. The liquid crystal display device LCD includes a transmissive liquid crystal module. That is, an image of the effect or the like is displayed in front of the reel, and the reel in the back is visible. When the transmissive liquid crystal is provided in front of the reel in this way, it is necessary to illuminate the reel brightly in order to make the reel in the back visible. That is, it is necessary to increase the number of LEDs arranged on the LED substrate of the lighting substrate unit within the defined space. However, as the number of LEDs increases (the more LEDs are densely arranged on the substrate), the amount of heat generated by the light emission of the LEDs increases, and the LEDs may be damaged. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the structure is such that the LEDs are not damaged even when a large number of LEDs are arranged on the LED substrate.

As shown in FIG. 42, the lighting board unit 80 of the present embodiment includes an LED board (board) 81, a heat radiating sheet 82, a heat radiating board 83, and the like. The lighting board unit 80 is fixed to the side portion (lower side portion) of the base portion 84 by tightening screws from below. Hereinafter, the lighting board unit 80 fixed below the base portion 84 will be described, but a lighting board unit having the same configuration is also arranged above the base portion 84. That is, the reel is irradiated with light from above and below.

The lighting board unit 80 includes a pair of (two) LED boards 81, 81 formed symmetrically. The LED substrate 81 is formed in the shape of a long plate extending in the left-right direction. Further, the LED substrate 81 includes a plurality of LEDs (light sources) 81a arranged at predetermined intervals along the left-right direction. Further, the LED substrate 81 includes a connector 81b arranged at the outer end portion in the left-right direction. One LED substrate 81 includes, for example, 21 to 42 LEDs 81a. The light of the LED 81a is applied to the reel. In the present embodiment, two LED substrates 81 are provided side by side, but the number may be one, or two or more.

Further, the lighting board unit 80 includes a pair of (two) heat radiating sheets 82, 82 formed symmetrically. The heat radiating sheet 82 has an outer shape corresponding to the LED substrate 81, and is formed in a thin sheet shape (for example, a thickness of about 1 mm). In the present embodiment, the heat radiating sheet 82 has an outer shape corresponding to the LED board 81, but the heat radiating sheet 82 faces (corresponds to) at least a position where a plurality of LEDs 81a of the LED board 81 are arranged. It suffices if it is provided at the position where the LED is used. The heat radiating sheet 82 is in contact (contact) with a surface (back surface of the substrate) opposite to the LED arrangement surface (front surface of the substrate) of the LED substrate 81. The heat radiating sheet 82 is made of a material having thermal conductivity and insulating properties, and is made of silicon in this embodiment. The heat radiating sheet 82 can also be called a heat conductive sheet. The heat radiating sheet 82 is held so as to be sandwiched between the heat radiating plate 83 and the LED substrate 81. In the present embodiment, two heat radiating sheets 82 are provided side by side, but one may be used, or two or more may be provided.

Next, the heat radiating plate 83 will be described with reference to FIG. 43. FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the heat radiating plate (sheet metal) 83 as viewed from the front. The heat radiating plate 83 is formed in a long shape extending in the left-right direction, and is formed on a flat surface portion 83a that contacts the heat radiating sheet 82 and on a side opposite to the heat radiating sheet 82 side (lower side in this example) from the end of the flat surface portion 83a. It is provided with a side surface portion 83b extending toward the surface. The heat sink 83 is made of metal, and is made of aluminum in the present embodiment. As the metal, a material having high thermal conductivity is more preferable. The flat surface portion 83a and the side surface portion 83b are formed by bending a metal plate. By making it possible to form the heat radiating plate 83 only by bending the metal plate, the time required for manufacturing can be shortened and the cost can be reduced. Further, in the present embodiment, convex portions 83c extending from both sides of the side surface portion 83b toward the front are further provided. Since the heat radiating plate 83 includes the side surface portion 83b and the convex portion 83c, the area (surface area) of the heat radiating plate 83 is increased. By increasing the area of the heat radiating plate 83 that functions as a heat sink, the heat radiating effect of the heat radiating plate 83 to the outside can be further enhanced.

The heat flow will be described with reference to FIG. (1) Heat is generated as the LED 81a of the LED substrate 81 emits light. (2) The heat radiating sheet 82 receives heat from the LED substrate 81 side and releases (conducts) the heat to the heat radiating plate 83 side. (3) The heat radiating plate 83 receives heat from the heat radiating sheet 82 and releases the heat to the outside. The amount of heat radiated varies depending on the material and area of the heat radiating sheet 82 and the heat radiating plate 83.

According to the lighting substrate unit 80 of the present embodiment, the LED substrate 81 on which a plurality of LEDs 81a are arranged is in contact with the surface of the LED substrate 81 opposite to the surface on which the LEDs 81a are arranged, and heat is conducted. A heat-dissipating sheet 82 having a property and a metal heat-dissipating plate 83 that comes into contact with a surface of the heat-dissipating sheet 82 that is opposite to the surface of the heat-dissipating sheet 82 that contacts the LED substrate 81 are provided. Therefore, even when a plurality of LEDs 81a are arranged on the LED substrate 81 and the amount of heat generated from the LEDs 81a becomes large, the heat can be quickly dissipated. As a result, damage to the LED 81a can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 43, the side surface portion 83b of the heat radiating plate 83 is provided only on one side (rear side) of the flat surface portion 83a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the side surface portions 83b may be provided so as to face both sides (that is, the front side and the rear side) of the flat surface portion 83a. That is, the heat radiating plate 83 may be substantially U-shaped when viewed from the side. Even in this case, the heat radiating plate 83 can be formed only by bending the metal plate. By forming the heat radiating plate 83 so as to have a U shape when viewed from the side, the area of the heat radiating plate 83 can be further increased and the heat radiating effect can be further enhanced. In addition, when it is U-shaped when viewed from the side surface, a plurality of ribs connecting the facing side surface portions 83b and 83b may be provided at predetermined intervals along the left-right direction. In this case, it is difficult to form the heat radiating plate 83 only by bending, but the area of the heat radiating plate 83 can be made larger, and the heat radiating effect can be further enhanced.

Further, a plurality of through holes (through hole vias, via holes) may be further provided on the LED substrate 81. The through hole has a function of passing heat on the LED81a arrangement surface side (front surface side of the substrate) to the back surface side (heat dissipation sheet 82 side) of the substrate. The number of through holes is provided to be larger than, for example, the number of LEDs 81a. Further, the position where the through hole is provided is more preferably in the vicinity of the LED 81a (around the LED 81a) from the viewpoint of releasing heat. For example, four through holes may be provided around one LED (four times as many as one LED). When the through holes are provided, the heat radiating sheet 82 is provided at least at a position corresponding to (opposing) the position where the through holes are formed. By interposing a heat radiating sheet 82 having an insulating property between the LED board 81 and the metal heat radiating plate 83, it is possible to prevent the LED board 81 (with through holes) and the heat radiating plate 83 from directly contacting each other and causing a short circuit. It can be provided and a through hole can be provided.

As described above, the LED substrate 81 is provided with a plurality of through holes, and the heat radiating sheet 82 is arranged at a position corresponding to the plurality of through holes. Therefore, it is possible to easily transfer the heat of the LED 81a on the front surface of the substrate to the back surface side (heat dissipation sheet 82 side) of the substrate while avoiding the LED substrate 81 and the heat radiating plate 83 coming into direct contact with each other to cause a short circuit. .. As a result, the heat dissipation effect is further enhanced, and the risk of damage to the LED 81a can be further reduced.

Further, when the through holes are provided, all the diameters may be the same, but through holes having different diameters, that is, a large diameter through hole and a small diameter through hole may be provided. For example, the through holes around the LED 81a may be small diameter through holes, and priority may be given to increasing the number of through holes. However, even in that case, the identification code (for example, the character "LED10") printed in the vicinity of the LED does not overlap with the through hole, and the visibility of the identification code is ensured. Further, for example, the large-diameter through-hole may be mainly used for the ground line, and the small-diameter through-hole may be mainly used for the signal line.

Further, for example, in the case of reel lighting, all the LEDs 81a are white, and are controlled so as to be fully lit or all extinguished. However, the specifications of the LED 81a are not limited to this, and the emission color and the number of lights may be appropriately set for each lighting device.

(Fifth Embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Although the slot machine, which is one of the gaming machines, will be described in the fifth embodiment, other gaming machines may be used. In the slot machine of the present embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

FIG. 45 shows the upper door 112a portion of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. The upper door 112a is provided with a liquid crystal display 813 and design members 150 and 150.

The liquid crystal display (display device) 813 is adapted to display images (moving images, still images) for various effects in the display area (display surface) 814. Further, the display area 814 has a first display area 814a and a second display area 814b. The first display area 814a is formed in a substantially lower half in a horizontally long rectangular shape in the front view of the liquid crystal display 813. The liquid crystal display 813 is a transmissive liquid crystal display, and the member behind the first display area 814a can be made visible.

Behind the first display area 814a, a reel unit 130 is arranged so that a part thereof can be visually recognized via the first display area 814a. Then, when the reels 131, 132, and 133 are stopped, three consecutive symbols are displayed per reel via the first display area 814a. Further, in the first display area 814a, upper, middle, and lower stages are provided as display positions for visually recognizing the symbols of the reels 131, 132, and 133, and the display positions of the reels 131, 132, and 133 are arranged. The effective line is set by the combination.

The first display area 814a has a plurality of states including a transparent state and a state in which an effect image is displayed. Then, when the first display area 814a is transparent, the symbols of the reels 131, 132, and 133 are visible. Further, in the state where the first display area 814a displays the effect image, the effect image is displayed in front of the reels 131, 132, 133. In the state where the first display area 201 displays the effect image, the reel 131 , 132, 133 may be visible (easy to see) or invisible (difficult to see). As described above, the first display area 814a is an area in which the symbols of the reels 131, 132, and 133 can be visually recognized and an image for effect can be displayed.

The second display area 814b is a portion of the display area 814 of the liquid crystal display 813 excluding the first display area 814a. In the present embodiment, the second display area 814b is a wide rectangular area above the first display area 814a. It is composed of a narrow horizontally long rectangular area below the 1 display area 814a and a narrow vertically long rectangular area on the left and right sides of the first display area 814a. That is, the second display area 814b is arranged so as to surround the first display area 814a. The second display area 814b can display an image for effect, and can also display one cohesive image over the second display area 814b and the first display area 814a. Further, the second display area 814b does not have a transparent state, and the member behind the second display area 814b cannot be made visible through the transparent state. However, the second display area 814b may also have a transparent state. In other words, the entire display area 814 may be the first display area 814a.

45 and 46 show the positional relationship between the liquid crystal display 813 and the design members 150 and 150. Here, FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display 813 and the design members 150, 150 as viewed from above. The design members 150 and 150 are arranged on the left and right sides of the upper door 112a with the liquid crystal display 813 interposed therebetween. Further, the design members 150 and 150 have a substantially rectangular box shape that is long in the vertical direction. Further, the design members 150 and 150 have substantially the same length in the vertical direction as the liquid crystal display 813, and are arranged along the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display 813. Further, the design members 150, 150 are arranged so as to project forward so that the front surface thereof is located in front of the liquid crystal display 813. Then, the display area 814 can be seen from between the left and right design members 150 and 150. In other words, the display area 814 is visible through the openings whose widths are defined by the design members 150, 150. Further, the left and right design members 150 and 150 have a structure substantially symmetrical with each other, and their arrangement is also substantially symmetrical.

The design member is a member that decorates the appearance of the gaming machine. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the design member 150 is a lighting device (side lamp), but may not emit light.

The design member 150 has a shape in which the inner side surface (inner wall 820) in the left-right direction bulges inward in the left-right direction. Specifically, the inner wall 820 has a shape that bulges so that the central portion in the front-rear direction is located on the innermost side, whereby the protruding portion 822 is formed. The design member 150 includes two types of speakers 830 provided therein, an LED substrate for lighting (not shown), and an exterior member 832 that covers them, and a protrusion 822 is formed. As a result, a space for accommodating the speaker and the LED substrate is secured.

The protruding portion 822 is located in front of the liquid crystal display 813, and protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the outer edge of the display area 814. Then, the distance W1 from the apex of the protruding portion 822 of one design member 150 to the other design member 150 (the shortest distance from one design member 150 to the other design member 159 on a plane parallel to the display surface of the liquid crystal display 813). The distance) is shorter than the width W2 in the left-right direction of the display area 814 of the liquid crystal display 813. When the liquid crystal display 813 is viewed from the front side, the protruding portion 822 is in a state of entering the display area 814 side of the outer edge of the display area 814.

The protruding portion 822 may not be formed at the central portion of the design member 150 in the front-rear direction, and may be formed on the front side in the front-rear direction, for example. In other words, the front surface of the design member 150 may protrude most inward in the left-right direction. In this case, the front surface of the design member 150 can be enlarged to enhance the presence of the design member 150.

Further, the inner wall 820 of the design member 150 has a shape toward the outside of the display area 814 from the protruding portion 822 (the apex of the protruding portion 822) toward the rear. In other words, the inner wall 820 of the design member 150 has a shape in which the rear side of the projecting portion 822 gradually moves outward in the left-right direction toward the rear. Specifically, the inner wall 820 has an inclined surface 824 rearward from the apex of the protrusion 822, which is directed outward in the left-right direction toward the rear.

Further, the rear end of the inner wall 820 of the design member 150 is in contact with or close to the front surface of the liquid crystal display 813. Further, the contact portion (proximity portion) P between the design member 150 (inner wall 820) and the front surface of the liquid crystal display 813 is located outside the display area 814 of the liquid crystal display 813. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the contact portion P is substantially flush with the outer edge of the display area 814, and the distance between the contact portions P of the left and right design members 150 and 150 is substantially equal to the width W2. It is the same.

As is clear from the above, a part of the design member 150 overlaps with a part of the display area 814 in the front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the display area 814), and a part of the display area 814 is covered. It is in a covered state. Further, in the design member 150, the rear end of the inner wall 820 (the portion that abuts on the front surface of the liquid crystal display 813) does not overlap with the display area 814 in the front-rear direction (the direction perpendicular to the display area 814). It does not cover area 814. That is, a space is formed between the portion of the design member 150 that covers the display area 814 (protruding portion 822) and the liquid crystal display 813 so that the end portion of the display area 814 can be visually recognized.

The visible range (visible range) of the display area 814 from the viewpoint of the player or the like changes depending on the standing position of the player or the like. Specifically, as described above, since a part of the design member 150 overlaps a part of the display area 814 in the front-rear direction, it is viewed from infinity on the front side of the gaming machine (direction perpendicular to the display area 814). In this case (in other words, in the front view (vertical projection view) of the gaming machine), a part of the display area 814 is covered by the design member 150 so that the player cannot see it (see FIG. 45). On the other hand, from a predetermined position, specifically, the player's eye point Q, the player can visually recognize the entire display area 814 without moving his / her face up / down / left / right. Here, the player's eye point Q means the position of the player's eyes when sitting on a chair and playing a game. That is, while the entire display area 814 can be visually recognized near the gaming machine, the entire display area 814 cannot be visually recognized far from the gaming machine. In other words, whether or not the entire display area 814 can be visually recognized without moving the face depends on whether the distance between the gaming machine and the player's eyes in the front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the display surface) is less than a predetermined distance or greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. It depends on the situation. It is desirable that this distance allows the player to visually recognize the entire display area 814 in the state of playing the game. Specifically, for example, the liquid crystal display 813 (display area 814) in the front-rear direction and the game. When the distance to the eyes of the person is less than 50 to 90 cm, it is preferable that the player can visually recognize the entire display area 814 without moving the face up, down, left and right. In other words, it is preferable that the inner wall 820 of the design member 150 does not cover the straight line from the predetermined point Q where the distance from the liquid crystal display 813 is less than 50 to 90 cm to the outer edge of the display area 814.

Further, even when viewed from infinity on the front side of the gaming machine, the specific display is not obscured by the design member 150. Here, the specific display includes a display that indicates (suggests) the operation order of the plurality of stop buttons 124 (navigation of the batting order displayed in the so-called assist time), a display of the manufacturer name or logo of the gaming machine, and a player. A display for preventing the player from being too absorbed in the game (immersion prevention display: warning display) and the like are included. In addition, the immersive prevention display is a display of characters that alert the player, such as "Pachinko slot is a play that you can enjoy moderately. Let's be careful about immersiveness." The display of the manufacturer name or logo of the gaming machine and the display for preventing immersiveness are displayed on the demo screen or the like that is displayed when the game is not played for a predetermined period of time.
It should be noted that it is not necessary to make all of the specific displays mentioned here visible even when viewed from infinity. Further, the display of the numerical values related to the game may be such that a part or the whole of each numerical value is covered by the design member 150 when viewed from infinity. Here, the display of the numerical value related to the game is a display related to the number of games played by the player in a specific section (specific period), or the number of medals paid out in one game or a specific section (specific period). Display, display regarding the number of games that can be performed in a predetermined game state or effect state, display regarding the number of medals that can be obtained in a predetermined game state or effect state, display regarding the number of navigations described above, and effect. Includes display of counter counts for.

Further, even when viewed from infinity on the front side of the gaming machine, the first display area 814a is not obscured by the design member 150. In other words, the reels 131, 132, 133 are not obscured by the design member 150 even when viewed from infinity in the direction perpendicular to the display area 814, and the reels 131, 132, 133 The design is visible.

As described above, the gaming machine of the present embodiment includes the liquid crystal display 813 for displaying the effect image in the display area 814 and the design member 150, and the design member 150 is in front of the liquid crystal display 813 in the display area 814. It has a protruding portion 822 that protrudes inward from the outer edge of the display region, and has a shape that extends outward from the display region 814 toward the rear from the protruding portion 822, so that the entire display region 814 can be visually recognized. Therefore, the visible range of the player can be widened, and the player's willingness to play can be improved. Further, since the design member 150 can be enlarged while securing a visible area for the player, the decorativeness of the gaming machine can be enhanced, and a large speaker having excellent sound can be arranged inside the design member. It is possible to improve the player's motivation to play.

In the present embodiment, the design member 150 having the protruding portion 822 and making the entire display area 814 visible is arranged next to the liquid crystal display 813, but above or below the liquid crystal display. It may be arranged. Further, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the liquid crystal display and the design member 150 has been described by taking the case of the transmissive liquid crystal display 813 as an example, but the non-transmissive liquid crystal display 113 and the like as shown in the first embodiment, etc. The present invention may be applied to the above.

(Sixth Embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fifth embodiment defines the relationship between the liquid crystal display 813 and the design member 150, and secures the visibility of the liquid crystal display while increasing the size of the design member. However, the sixth embodiment is the design. This is to ensure the visibility of the game medium that moves in the game area while increasing the size of the member. Further, the sixth embodiment describes the pachinko gaming machine. In the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the second embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, the gaming area 4 is divided into a left-handed area 4a located on the left side and a right-handed area 4b located on the right side, and the player launches a game ball. By changing the strength, it is possible to drop the game ball into different areas.

Further, a game ball passage 840 connecting the left-handed area 4a and the right-handed area 4b is provided at the upper end of the game area 4. Then, the game ball launched from the launching device with a predetermined firing intensity or higher passes through the game ball passage 840 and proceeds to the right-handed region 4b, while the game ball launched from the launching device with a launching intensity lower than the predetermined firing strength is a game ball. It is designed to proceed to the left-handed region 4a without passing through the passage 840.

The game ball passage 840 is formed by an outer rail 28 and a rail 841 provided along the outer rail 28 below the outer rail 28. Further, the game ball passage 840 is formed including the upper end of the outer rail 28. Further, the width of the game ball passage 840 is longer than the diameter of one game ball and shorter than the diameter of two game balls in the narrowest portion. Further, the portion where the width of the game ball passage 840 is narrowest is the portion formed by the top of the game ball passage 840, in other words, the upper end (top) of the outer rail 28 and the portion of the rail 841 facing the upper end, and further. In other words, it is a portion located at the upper end of the game area 4.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, a substantially square box-shaped design member 850 elongated in the left-right direction is provided on the upper portion of the front frame 10. Further, the length of the design member 850 in the left-right direction is more than half the length of the front frame 10 in the left-right direction. Further, the design member 850 is arranged so as to project forward so that the front surface thereof is located in front of the game area 4 and the glass unit 8.
In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the glass unit 8 has two transparent plates (glass plates) 8a and 8b arranged in the front-rear direction with the plate surfaces parallel to each other.

The design member 850 includes an LED substrate for lighting (not shown) provided inside the design member 850 and an exterior member 851 that covers the LED substrate (not shown), and a space for accommodating the LED substrate is secured inside the exterior member 851. Has been done. Further, a logo indicating a model name or the like is attached to a portion of the exterior member 851 that constitutes the front surface of the design member 850, and the logo is lit by an LED substrate provided inside.
A speaker or the like may be provided inside the design member 850.

The front side portion of the lower surface 852 of the design member 850 is located at the lowermost position. Further, the front side portion is a plane 853 substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. Further, the lower surface 852 of the design member 850 has an inclined surface 854 inclined with respect to the horizontal plane on the rear side of the rear end of the plane 853. The lower surface 852 of the design member 850 has a shape in which the rear side portion (inclined surface 854 portion) is directed upward as it is directed rearward. That is, the design member 850 has a front portion protruding downward from the rear portion, and a protruding portion 856 is formed. Further, the rear end of the lower surface 852 (inclined surface 854) of the design member 850 is in contact with or close to the glass unit 8.
The shape of the rear end of the lower surface 852 of the design member 850 may be formed along the shape of the outer rail 28. That is, the rear end of the lower surface 852 may be curved so as to be convex upward when viewed from the front. Further, the shape of the lower surface 852 (inclined surface 854) may be in the shape of a mortar recessed upward in accordance with this.

FIG. 49 is a schematic view of a main part in the AA line cross section of FIG. 48, and is a cross section cut along a plane parallel to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction passing through the upper end (top: upper end of the outer rail 28) of the game area 4. Is shown. The cross section shown in FIG. 49 also passes through the upper end (top) of the rail 841 and the upper end (top) of the rear end of the lower surface 852 of the design member 850.

The rear end of the lower surface 852 of the design member 850 is located below the upper end of the game area 4 in the portion corresponding to the upper end of the game area 4 (the front part of the upper end of the game area 4). In other words, the rear end of the lower surface 852 of the design member 850 is located below the upper end of the upper surface 840a of the game ball passage 840. Further, the rear end of the lower surface 852 of the design member 850 is located above the upper end of the lower surface 840b of the game ball passage 840. Further, the rear end of the lower surface 852 of the design member 850 is above the lower end of the game ball B (the game ball in contact with the upper end of the upper surface 840a of the game ball passage 840) located at the upper end of the game area 4. positioned. More specifically, it is located above the center of the game ball B in this state (shown by the alternate long and short dash line C in FIG. 49).

Further, the protruding portion 856 projects downward from the center of the game ball B located at the upper end of the game area 4. In other words, the lower end of the protrusion 856 is located below the center of the game ball B in that state. More specifically, the lower end of the protruding portion 856 is located below the lower end of the game ball B in this state. Further, the protruding portion 856 projects downward from the upper end of the lower surface 840b of the game ball passage 840.

As is clear from the above, the design member 850 overlaps with the game ball B located at the upper end of the game area 4 in the front-rear direction (the direction perpendicular to the game board 6 and the glass unit 8). It covers the entire game ball B in this state. Further, in the design member 850, the portion corresponding to the upper end of the game area 4 at the rear end of the lower surface 852 (the front portion of the upper end of the game area 4) is in the front-rear direction (the direction perpendicular to the game board 6 and the glass unit 8). It does not overlap with at least the lower half of the game ball B located at the upper end of the game area 4, and does not cover at least the lower half of the game ball in the state. Further, the rear portion of the lower surface 852 is an inclined surface 854. Therefore, even when the game ball is located at the upper end of the game area 4, the player can easily see the game ball rolling in the game area 4. Here, it is preferable that at least the lower half of the game ball in the state can be seen from a predetermined position, specifically, the player's eye point, without the player moving his / her face up / down / left / right. The player's eye point means the position of the player's eyes when sitting on a chair and playing a game. Specifically, for example, when the distance between the glass unit 8 and the player's eyes in the front-rear direction is less than 50 to 90 cm, at least a part of the game ball in that state without the player moving his face up, down, left and right. It is good to be able to see (lower half). In other words, the design member is on a straight line from a predetermined point where the distance from the glass unit 8 is less than 50 to 90 cm to the game ball B (the part below the center of the game ball B) located at the upper end of the game area 4. It is good that 850 is not applied.

(7th Embodiment)
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment relates to an invention relating to a substrate 900 of a gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko gaming machine. The board 900 is any board including a main board, a sub board, a game machine terminal board (external terminal board, a game ball rental device connection terminal board, etc.), or various boards shown in other embodiments. May be good.
The external terminal board is for connecting the gaming machine to an external electronic device (data display device, hall computer, etc.), and from this external terminal board, various externals indicating the state of the gaming machine, etc. Information signals are output to external electronic devices. Further, the game ball rental device connection terminal plate is for connecting the game machine to the rental device for renting the game medium, and information can be transmitted / received to / from the rental device via the game ball rental device connection terminal plate. It is possible.

As shown in FIG. 50, a plurality of electronic components 901 are mounted on the substrate 900. Here, the electronic component is, for example, an IC, a resistor, a capacitor, a coil, a diode, a connector, or the like. Further, the substrate 900 is provided with a plurality of through holes (via holes) 902.

Further, the substrate 900 has two substrate identification displays, a first substrate identification display 911 and a second substrate identification display 912. Here, the board identification display indicates information about the board, specifically, a display that enables each board to be identified, and is represented by a plurality of characters, numbers, symbols, and the like.

The first board identification display 911 and the second board identification display 912 have the same contents (information). Specifically, the first board identification display 911 and the second board identification display 912 display the same character string "ABC01".

Further, the first substrate identification display 911 is an etching character formed by etching processing. In other words, the first substrate identification display 911 is a copper foil character formed of copper foil. On the other hand, the second substrate identification display 912 is a silk character formed by silk printing. Since the first substrate identification display 911 and the second substrate identification display 912 are different between the etched characters and the silk characters, the reflectance of light, the way of scattering, and the like are different, and the appearance is different.

The substrate 900 is a green substrate. Further, since the first substrate identification display 911 is an etching character and is formed in the same manner as the wiring pattern of the substrate 900, it has the same color (similar color) as the wiring pattern, specifically green. Further, the second substrate identification display 912 has a color different from that of the first substrate identification display 911 and the wiring pattern (a color that is not a similar color), specifically white.
The second board identification display 912 may have a color similar to that of the first board identification display 911 and the wiring pattern.

Further, the display size of the first board identification display 911 and the second board identification display 912 are the same. That is, the character string "ABC01" of the first board identification display 911 and the character string "ABC01" of the second board identification display 912 have the same size. Although these display sizes do not have to be completely the same, they must be within a range that can be regarded as substantially the same when visually recognized (for example, the difference in vertical and horizontal lengths within ± 10% with respect to one display). Is preferable.

Further, the second substrate identification display 912 is arranged at a position where the first substrate identification display 911 is moved in parallel with the short sides (left and right sides in FIG. 50) of the substrate 900. The second substrate identification display 922 may be arranged at a position where the first substrate identification display 911 is moved in parallel with the long sides (upper and lower sides in FIG. 50) of the substrate 900. In this way, by arranging the second substrate identification display 912 at a position in the plane where the first substrate identification display 911 is moved parallel to any side of the substrate 900, the observer can display the identification display. The identification display can be easily found when it is desired to confirm.

Further, the first substrate identification display 911 and the second substrate identification display 912 are arranged on the peripheral edge portion in the plane of the substrate 900. In other words, the first substrate identification display 911 and the second substrate identification display 912 are arranged in the vicinity of any side of the board 900 along the side.

Further, the first board identification display 911 and the second board identification display 912 have the same display direction, that is, the direction of the character string. Specifically, the first board identification display 911 and the second board identification display 912 are arranged so as to be read from left to right in FIG. 50, and the top and bottom of the character string are one with the top and bottom of FIG. 50. I am doing it.

Further, no through hole 902 is provided in the display range of the first board identification display 911 and the display range of the second board identification display 912. Specifically, the through hole 902 does not exist between the character strings "ABC01".

Further, the substrate 900 has an identification display 904 in the vicinity of each electronic component 901 so that each electronic component 901 can be identified. Specifically, six resistors 901 are mounted on the substrate 900, and in the vicinity of each resistor 901, as an identification display 904 for identifying each resistor 901, "R1" to "R6" The character string is written. Further, four capacitors 901 are mounted on the substrate 900, and character strings "C1" to "C4" are displayed in the vicinity of each capacitor 901 as an identification display 904 for identifying each capacitor 901. It is written. Further, two ICs 901 are mounted on the substrate 900, and character strings "IC1" to "IC2" are written in the vicinity of each IC901 as an identification display 904 for identifying each IC901. There is. Further, two connectors 901 are mounted on the board 900, and character strings "CN1" to "CN2" are displayed in the vicinity of each connector 901 as an identification display 904 for identifying each connector 901. It is written.

The identification display 904 is all silk characters. However, some or all of the identification display 904 may be etched characters.

The display size of the first substrate identification display 911 and the second substrate identification display 912 is larger than that of the other identification display displayed on the substrate 900. Specifically, the first substrate identification display 911 and the second substrate identification display 912 have a larger display size than any of the identification displays 904.

According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the predetermined substrate 900 provided in the gaming machine has a first substrate identification display 911 and a second substrate identification display 912, and the first substrate identification display 911 is an etching character. Since the second substrate identification display 912 is in silk characters, even if one substrate identification display becomes difficult to see, the other substrate identification display can be easily seen. That is, since the reflectance of light, the method of scattering, etc. are different between the etched characters and the silk characters, one of the substrate identification displays can be visually recognized depending on the environment (lighting, etc.) of the game store where the game machine is installed. Even when the property is deteriorated, the decrease in visibility of the other substrate identification display is suppressed, and the identification display can be easily confirmed. Further, particularly for the substrate provided on the side plate (inner side surface) of the gaming machine housing (the housing 111 in the gaming machine of the first embodiment), it is necessary to check the board identification display by looking into it. Since the board identification display may be located behind the parts on the board, it may be difficult to see the board identification display. However, the gaming machine of the present embodiment has two board identification displays. Therefore, it becomes easy to visually recognize the board identification display.

150 Design member 813 Liquid crystal display (display device)
814 Display area 822 Protruding part

Claims (1)

It is equipped with a display device for displaying an effect image in a display area and a design member.
The design member has a projecting portion that protrudes inward from the outer edge of the display area in front of the display device, and has a shape that extends toward the outside of the display area as it goes backward from the projecting portion. A game machine featuring.

Images