JP2024052965A - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a gaming machine that employs a light-emitting means of a relatively simple configuration, while being able to improve the presentation and design by uniformly emitting light from the entire cover. [Solution] A side lamp unit 60 comprises a substrate 62 on which a light source 69 is mounted, and a translucent cover 64 that transmits the light emitted from the light source 69. The translucent cover 64 is provided so as to intersect with a surface extension line L of the substrate 62 and to be spaced apart from the edge of the substrate 62. A first light source 69A is provided on at least one surface of the substrate 62, and the edge of the substrate 62 is provided with a recess 62A and a protrusion 62B as a shadow reduction means for reducing the projection of a shadow onto the translucent cover 64. [Selected Figure] Fig. 12

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines.

Conventionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. For example, slot machines and pachinko machines are equipped with various light-emitting devices (light-emitting means) on the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the gaming machine main body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These light-emitting devices are configured with a board on which a light source is mounted, a housing that accommodates the board, a light guide plate that transmits light from the light source and appropriately diffuses and emits it, and a cover that covers the board, housing, and the front side of the light guide plate. In this light-emitting device, light is irradiated from the light source on the board, diffused through the light guide plate, and then emitted, causing the entire cover to emit light or projecting an appropriate pattern onto the cover.

JP 2016-185293 A

However, in conventional light-emitting means, a cover is provided to cover the front side of the substrate, and light from the light source is emitted to the cover through a light guide plate. This restricts the shape of the cover and the arrangement of the substrate and cover, making it difficult to increase the freedom of design of the light-emitting means. In addition, a light guide plate is required to illuminate the entire cover, which creates the problem of a complex and large structure for the light-emitting means.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that employs a light-emitting means with a relatively simple configuration, yet can enhance the presentation and design by uniformly illuminating the entire cover.

That is, the invention described in claim 1 is as follows:
A gaming machine equipped with a light emitting means having a substrate on which a light source is mounted and a light-transmitting cover that transmits light irradiated from the light source,
the light-transmitting cover is disposed so as to intersect with an extension line of a surface of the substrate and to be spaced apart from an edge of the substrate;
This gaming machine is characterized in that the light source is provided on one surface of the base, and a recess is provided on the edge of the base, which is configured to reduce the projection of shadows onto the translucent cover.

In this type of gaming machine according to the present invention, a shading reduction means is provided on the edge of the board, and by using the shading reduction means to reduce the shadow cast on the translucent cover, it is less likely that a shadow will form on the extension line of the board's surface, and uneven light emission from the translucent cover can be suppressed. Therefore, while a light emitting means with a relatively simple configuration is employed, the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly, improving the presentation and design.

1 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine. 1 is an oblique view of the slot machine with the front door open. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a portion of the front door of the slot machine. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a side lamp provided on the front door. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a side lamp unit. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of a side lamp unit. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp unit as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp unit as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the side lamp unit as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the side lamp unit as viewed from the rear side. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing the function of the side lamp unit. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing the function of the side lamp unit. 13A to 13C are a cross-sectional view and a front view showing a substrate of a side lamp unit according to a modified example of the present invention. 13A and 13B are a cross-sectional view and a front view showing a substrate of a side lamp unit according to another modified example of the present invention. 13A and 13B are a cross-sectional view and a front view showing a substrate of a side lamp unit according to still another modified example of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in which the present invention is applied to a reel type gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, specifically a slot machine 10. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10, FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine 10, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 open, FIG. 4 is a rear view of the front door 12, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the cabinet 11.

[Overall structure of the gaming machine]
As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, the slot machine 10 has a housing 11 which forms its outer shell. The housing 11 is formed by combining wooden panels and is generally box-shaped with an open front, and is attached to a so-called island equipment by nailing or the like when it is installed in a game hall. The housing 11 is not limited to being made of wooden panels, but may be made of synthetic resin panels or metal panels, or may be formed into an integrated box shape from synthetic resin material or metal material. An opening 11a is formed through the upper side of the housing 11, leading from the inside to the outside of the housing 11. A handle 11b is provided on the lower side of the housing 11 to be used when transporting the slot machine 10.

A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11 so as to be able to open and close. That is, the housing 11 is provided with three upper and lower support shafts 13a, 13b, and 13c (see FIG. 5) on the left side when viewed from the front, and the front door 12 is provided with bearings 14a, 14b, and 14c (see FIG. 4) at positions corresponding to the support shafts 13a, 13b, and 13c. When the support shafts 13a, 13b, and 13c are inserted into the bearings 14a, 14b, and 14c, the front door 12 is supported so as to be rotatable about an opening and closing axis extending in the vertical direction connecting the support shafts 13a, 13b, and 13c relative to the housing 11, and the front open side of the housing 11 can be opened and closed by rotating the front door 12.

In addition, a locking device 15 is provided on the rear side of the front door 12 opposite the opening/closing axis (the right side when viewed from the front), and a lock receiving portion 16 is provided in the housing 11 at a position corresponding to the locking device 15. This locking device 15 locks the front door 12 closed to the housing 11 in a locked state that cannot be opened. A key cylinder 17 integrated with the locking device 15 is provided on the front right end of the front door 12, and the locking device 15 is configured to be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state by a predetermined key operation on the key cylinder 17. That is, by operating the key cylinder 17, the locking device 15 is engaged with the lock receiving portion 16 to lock the front door 12, making it impossible to open, and the locking device 15 is disengaged from the lock receiving portion 16 to unlock the front door 12, making it possible to open the front door 12. Note that Omlock (registered trademark), which has a high unauthorized unlocking prevention function, is used as the key cylinder 17.

A game panel 20 for displaying information related to the game is provided in the center of the front of the front door 12. The game panel 20 is made of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the inside of the slot machine 10 can be seen through the game panel 20. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a reel unit 21, which is a reel-type display device, is attached to the back side of the front door 12 corresponding to the game panel 20. The reel unit 21 has connectors 21a and 21b for connecting power distribution wiring (not shown) and signal lines (not shown) extending from the main relay board 71 described later, and the operation of the reel unit 21 is controlled by the main control device 90.

The reel unit 21 includes a left reel 22L, a center reel 22M, and a right reel 22R, each of which is formed in a cylindrical (annular) shape. Each of the reels 22L, 22M, and 22R is supported rotatably so that its central axis is the axis of rotation of the reel. The axes of rotation of the reels 22L, 22M, and 22R are arranged on the same axis that extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and a portion of the surface of each of the reels 22L, 22M, and 22R is visible through the game panel 20. When each of the reels 22L, 22M, and 22R rotates forward, the surface of each of the reels 22L, 22M, and 22R is visible through the game panel 20 as if it were moving from top to bottom.

Here, the configuration of the reel unit 21 will be briefly explained. Each of the reels 22L, 22M, and 22R is connected to a stepping motor, and each of the reels 22L, 22M, and 22R can be rotated individually, that is, independently, by driving each stepping motor. The stepping motor is set to rotate once by giving a drive signal (hereinafter also referred to as an excitation pulse) of, for example, 504 pulses, and the rotational position of the stepping motor, that is, the rotational position of the reel, is controlled by this excitation pulse. In addition, the reel unit 21 is provided with a reel index sensor for each of the reels 22L, 22M, and 22R for detecting that the reel has rotated once. When the reel index sensor detects that the reel has rotated once, it outputs a detection signal to the main control device 90 described later. Therefore, the main control device 90 can check and correct the angular position of each reel 22L, 22M, and 22R for each rotation based on the detection signal of the reel index sensor and the number of excitation pulses output before the detection signal is input.

A reel tape is attached to the outer periphery of each reel 22L, 22M, 22R. A plurality of patterns as identification information are drawn on the long side direction (circulation direction) of the reel tape; specifically, 21 patterns are drawn at equal intervals on each reel 22L, 22M, 22R, and three consecutive patterns are configured to be visible at the upper, middle, and lower positions of the game panel 20, respectively. Therefore, in order to switch a pattern to the next pattern at a specified position, it is necessary to output 24 excitation pulses (= 504 pulses ÷ 21 patterns). In addition, the main control device 90 can control the number of excitation pulses output after the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input to grasp the patterns that are visible from the game panel 20 and stop a specified pattern at a position visible from the game panel 20.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a start lever 23 is provided on the lower left side of the game panel 20, which is operated to start the rotation of each of the reels 22L, 22M, and 22R. The start lever 23 is a lever that the player pushes by hand (the direction in which it is pushed is not limited) when starting a game, and when the start lever 23 is operated with a predetermined number of medals inserted, the rotation of each of the reels 22L, 22M, and 22R starts simultaneously (however, not necessarily simultaneously).

On the right side of the start lever 23, there are provided button-shaped stop switches 24L, 24M, 24R that are operated to individually stop each of the spinning reels 22L, 22M, 22R. Each stop switch 24L, 24M, 24R is arranged corresponding to the reel 22L, 22M, 22R to be stopped. That is, when the left stop switch 24L is operated, the left reel 22L stops spinning, when the middle stop switch 24M is operated, the middle reel 22M stops spinning, and when the right stop switch 24R is operated, the right reel 22R stops spinning.

A medal insertion section 25 for inserting medals is provided on the lower right side of the game panel 20. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, medals inserted through the medal insertion section 25 are guided to either the intake passage 26 or the discharge passage 27 by a selector (not shown) provided on the back side of the front door 12. The medals guided to the intake passage 26 are then guided to a hopper device 31 (see Figures 3 and 5) housed inside the housing 11. On the other hand, the medals guided to the discharge passage 27 are guided from a medal discharge port 28 provided on the lower front side of the front door 12 to a medal tray 29 and returned to the player, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 5, the hopper device 31 is composed of a storage tank 32 for storing medals and a payout device 33 for paying out medals to a player. The payout device 33 rotates a medal payout rotating plate (not shown) to discharge medals to an opening 27a provided in the discharge passage 27, and pays out the medals to a medal receiving tray 29 through the discharge passage 27. In addition, a reserve tank 34 is provided to the right of the hopper device 31 to prevent medals from being stored in the storage tank 32 by more than a predetermined amount. Inside the storage tank 32 of the hopper device 31, an induction plate (not shown) is provided to discharge medals from the storage tank 32 to the reserve tank 34. Therefore, if medals are stored above the height at which the induction plate is provided, the medals will be stored in the reserve tank 34.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a settlement switch 35 is provided to the left of the start lever 23. This slot machine 10 has a credit function that stores and stores surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (equivalent to 50 medals) and medals paid out when a prize is won as virtual medals, and when the settlement switch 35 is operated while virtual medals are stored and stored, the virtual medals are paid out as real medals from the medal discharge port 28 to the medal tray 29. Also, when the settlement switch 35 is operated while a medal inserted into the medal insertion section 25 is stuck in the selector, the selector is mechanically linked and operated, and the medal stuck in the selector is returned from the medal discharge port 28.

A MAXBET button 36 is provided on the lower left side of the game panel 20 for inserting the maximum number of credited virtual medals as game media (e.g., inserting three at a time). Although not provided in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, a button for inserting two virtual medals at a time (2BET button) or a button for inserting one virtual medal (1BET button) may be provided near the MAXBET button 36. The settlement switch 35 and the MAXBET button 36 are the operation units that perform the main game operations in the slot machine 10, and therefore operation signals from these operation units are transmitted to and processed by the main control device 90 described below.

An information display unit 37 is provided at the approximate center below the game panel 20. The information display unit 37 is composed of a seven-segment display that displays information related to the number of medals, such as the number of virtual medals credited, the number of medals remaining to be paid out until the bonus state ends, and the number of medals paid out when a prize is won. Note that the information display unit 37 is not limited to being composed of a seven-segment display, and may be composed of a liquid crystal display or the like that displays information on the number of medals to be displayed on one screen. The display of the information display unit 37 is controlled by the main control unit 90.

Three effect buttons 38, 39, and 40 are provided to the right of the information display section 37. The effect button 38 is used to switch between images and videos displayed on the liquid crystal display device 55 (described later) and to switch the lighting state of the upper lamp 51 and the side lamp 53. The effect buttons 39 and 40 are used to increase or decrease the volume of sound effects output from the speakers 57, 58, and 59 (described later). Operation signals from these effect buttons 38, 39, and 40 are transmitted to and processed by the sub-control device 80 (described later). In addition, a lower plate 41 on which the model name and characters related to the game are displayed is attached above the medal tray 29. In addition, a reversible ashtray 42 is provided on the lower front side to the left of the medal tray 29.

On the front side of the front door 12, an upper lamp 51 as a light-emitting display unit (light-emitting means) and a pair of left and right speaker grills 52 are provided at the top, a pair of side lamps 53 as light-emitting display units (light-emitting means) are provided on both left and right sides, and a pair of left and right speaker grills 54 are provided on both sides of the lower plate 41. The upper lamp 51 and the side lamps 53 light up and blink as the game progresses to create effects. In addition, a liquid crystal display device 55 that gives various information to the player is provided above the game panel 20. The liquid crystal display device 55 is used to execute various display effects as the game progresses, and to notify the player of the status when the power is turned on or an error occurs, and is configured with a liquid crystal display 56 that displays images.

As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of upper speakers 57 (the upper speaker on the right side is not shown in the figure) are provided at the top on the rear side of the front door 12, a pair of lower speakers 58 (left and right) are provided at the bottom, and a sub-speaker (woofer) 59 is provided on the rear of the liquid crystal display device 55. The upper speaker 57 generates various sound effects as the game progresses, and these sound effects are sent to the front side of the front door 12 through the speaker grill 52. The lower speaker 58 generates notification sounds that notify the player of the game status, and these notification sounds are sent to the front side of the front door 12 through the speaker grill 54. The sub-speaker 59 generates sound effects such as deep bass as the game progresses.

The LCD display device 55 is constructed such that the outer casing is formed by an LCD case 55a, which houses an LCD display 56 (see FIG. 2) and an LCD board (not shown). The LCD board is equipped with electronic components such as a VDP (Video Display Processor) that controls the overall video output, and various memories. A connector port is formed in the LCD case 55a, and a connector 55b mounted on the LCD board is exposed on the rear side of the front door 12 through the connector port. A wiring (not shown) extending from the sub-controller 80 described below is connected to the connector 55b.

The upper lamps 51, side lamps 53, liquid crystal display device 55, upper speaker 57, lower speaker 58, and sub-speaker 59 are controlled by a sub-control device 80. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the sub-control device 80 is attached to the inner surface of the back panel 11c of the cabinet 11 via a main body base 85. In addition, a main control device 90 that controls the reel unit 21 and the hopper device 31 and manages the game is attached to the main body base 85. In addition, a power supply box 70 is provided to the left of the hopper device 31 inside the cabinet 11. The power supply box 70 houses a power supply device (not shown) therein and is equipped with a power switch (not shown) for supplying power to each part including the sub-control device 80 and the main control device 90.

4, a main relay board 71 and a sub-relay board 72 are provided on the rear side of the front door 12. The main relay board 71 relays the power supplied from the power supply box 70 via the main control device 90 and the control signal transmitted from the main control device 90 to each part such as the reel unit 21, the start lever 23, the stop switches 24L, 24M, and 24R, the settlement switch 35, the MAXBET button 36, and the information display unit 37. The sub-relay board 72 relays the power supplied from the power supply box 70 via the sub-control device 80 and the control signal transmitted from the sub-control device 80 to each part such as the performance buttons 38, 39, and 40, the liquid crystal display device 55, the upper lamp 51, the side lamp 53, the upper speaker 57, the lower speaker 58, and the sub-speaker 59. The main relay board 71 and the sub-relay board 72 are each provided with an input connector that connects wiring (not shown) from the main control device 90 and the sub-control device 80, and a distribution connector that connects distribution wiring (not shown) that is connected to each unit.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-controller 80 is configured such that the outer shell is formed by a board case 81, and a sub-board (not shown) is housed in the board case 81. The sub-board is equipped with electronic components such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) that mainly controls the upper lamp 51, side lamp 53, upper speaker 57, lower speaker 58, and sub-speaker 59, various memories, and multiple connectors 82 for electrical connection to the outside. This sub-board is housed in the board case 81 so that the mounting surface for the electronic components faces the front side of the sub-controller 80. The board case 81 is composed of a base member (not shown) that forms the back side and a cover member 83 that forms the front side. A connector port is formed in the cover member 83, and the connector 82 is exposed through the connector port.

The main control device 90 is configured by forming an outer shell with a circuit board case 91, and housing a main circuit board (not shown) in the circuit board case 91. In addition to electronic components such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) that mainly controls the reel unit 21 and the hopper device 31, and various memories, the main circuit board is equipped with multiple connectors 92 for electrical connection to the outside. This main circuit board is housed in the circuit board case 91 so that the mounting surface for the electronic components faces the front side of the main control device 90. The circuit board case 91 is composed of a base member (not shown) that forms the back side and a cover member 93 that forms the front side. A plurality of connector openings are formed in the cover member 93, and the connectors 92 are exposed through the connector openings. The main control device 90 is also provided with a reset switch 94 and a setting key insertion hole 95.

The reset switch 94 is a switch for resetting various states of the slot machine 10. This slot machine 10 has a backup function for various data, so that in the unlikely event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is retained, and when the power is restored (power is restored), the state at the time of the power outage can be restored. Therefore, when the power is cut off in the normal manner, for example when an amusement hall closes its business, the state before the power outage is stored and retained, but when the power is turned on while pressing the reset switch 94, the backup data is reset (initialized). Also, if the reset switch 94 is pressed while the power is on, the error state is reset.

The setting key insertion hole 95 is for the hall manager or the like to adjust the number of medals dispensed. That is, the hall manager or the like can insert the setting key into the setting key insertion hole 95 and turn it to change the setting state of the slot machine 10 (setting of the winning probability for each winning mode) from "Setting 1" to "Setting 6". When the setting state is set to "Setting 1", a lottery is performed for the winning mode (role) that will result in the lowest expected number of medals paid out, and when the setting state is set to "Setting 6", a lottery is performed for the winning mode that will result in the highest expected number of medals paid out. The reset switch 94 is operated not only to reset an error state, but also to change the setting state of the slot machine 10.

[Side lamp structure]
The structure of the side lamps (side lamps as light emitting means) 53 will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a front view showing a part of the front door 12 of the slot machine 10. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the side lamps 53 provided on the front door 12, and is a cross-sectional view of the position indicated by line A-A in Figure 6.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the front door 12 has a metal frame 12a that is generally rectangular, and the game panel 20, reel unit 21, liquid crystal display device 55, etc. are supported inside this metal frame 12a. The side lamps 53 are assembled as side lamp units 60, which cover the front side of the side of the game panel 20 and are fixed to the metal frame 12a with screws or the like.

Next, the detailed structure of the side lamp unit 60 will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 11. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the side lamp unit 60. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a part of the side lamp unit 60, omitting the translucent cover 64, exterior member 65, and internal member 63 described below. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp unit 60 as viewed from the front side, and Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the side lamp unit 60 as viewed from the rear side.

The side lamp unit 60 includes a base member 61 fixed to the metal frame 12a, a substrate 62 provided on the front side of the base member 61, an internal member 63 that holds the substrate 62 between the base member 61, a light-transmitting cover 64 supported across the base member 61 and the internal member 63, and an exterior member 65 that holds the light-transmitting cover 64 against the base member 61 and the internal member 63. The side lamp unit 60 further includes a semi-transmitting member 66 attached to the base member 61 and the internal member 63, an edge member 67 that closes the gap between the edge of the semi-transmitting member 66 and the game panel 20, and an upper member 68 attached to the upper part of the edge member 67.

The base member 61 is an integrally molded resin product made of a highly reflective material such as white, and has a front portion 61A aligned in the left-right and vertical directions, a side portion 61B extending rearward from the side edge of the front portion 61A, and a convex portion 61C extending laterally in a convex shape continuous with the side portion 61B. A boss portion 61D is formed on the rear side of the convex portion 61C, which is fixed to the metal frame 12a. The convex portion 61C is configured with a reflective portion (second reflective portion) 61E formed in a convex curved surface toward the translucent cover 64. This base member 61 is fixed to the front door 12 by screwing the boss portion 61D to the metal frame 12a with the front portion 61A aligned along the surface of the game panel 20.

The board 62 is a rigid board such as a paper phenol board, a paper epoxy board, or a glass composite board, and is a double-sided board with circuits on its front and back sides, and is electrically connected to the sub-relay board 72 by wiring and connectors (not shown). A plurality of light sources 69 are mounted on the front (one side) and back (other side) of the board 62. The edge of the board 62 on the side facing the light-transmitting cover 64 is provided with a recess 62A cut out on the side away from the light-transmitting cover 64, and a protrusion 62B where the recess 62A is not formed. The board 62 is supported along the front part 61A of the base member 61, and is provided along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction and the vertical direction, i.e., the front-rear direction of the slot machine 10.

The internal member 63 is an integrally molded resin product made of a material with high reflectivity such as white, and is configured to have a rear surface portion 63A that extends toward the base member 61 and abuts against the substrate 62, a first inner surface portion 63B that extends from the rear surface portion 63A toward the front and translucent cover 64 side, and a second inner surface portion 63C that extends forward from the rear surface portion 63A on the semi-transparent member 66 side of the first inner surface portion 63B. The first inner surface portion 63B is configured to have a reflective portion (first reflective portion) 63D formed into a curved surface that is convex toward the translucent cover 64.

The light-transmitting cover 64 is a one-piece molded product made of a transparent or translucent resin material, and allows light irradiated from the light source 69 of the board 62 to pass therethrough to the outside. The light-transmitting cover 64 is formed in a curved, convex shape extending outward from the front side to the side side of the slot machine 10, and is provided so as to intersect with the surface extension line L (see FIG. 7) of the board 62. The light-transmitting cover 64 is provided with characters, patterns, letters, etc. that emerge when light passes through it.

The exterior member 65 is an integrally molded resin product, and is formed with an opening 65A through which light that has passed through the translucent cover 64 passes. The front end of the exterior member 65 is engaged with the internal member 63, and the rear end is engaged with the base member 61, so that the exterior member 65 can be attached while holding the translucent cover 64.

The semi-transparent member 66 is a one-piece molded product made of a translucent resin material such as milky white, and is configured to have a first side portion 66A extending back and forth along the second inner surface portion 63C of the internal member 63, and a second side portion 66B extending back and forth on the inner side of the slot machine 10 from the first side portion 66A. The first side portion 66A is formed with a screw insertion portion 66C through which a screw is inserted to fix the internal member 63 and the base member 61. The second side portion 66B is formed with a screw insertion portion 66D through which a screw is inserted to fix the edge member 67 and the base member 61.

The edge member 67 is an integrally molded resin product that covers and engages with the edge of the semi-transparent member 66, is provided together with the base member 61 close to the surface of the game panel 20, and is fixed to the base member 61 by a screw that passes through the screw insertion portion 66D of the semi-transparent member 66. The upper member 68 is an integrally molded resin product that is attached by engaging with the upper portion of the edge member 67 and the upper portion of the semi-transparent member 66.

As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the light source 69 is composed of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and has a first light source 69A provided on the front surface (one side) of the substrate 62 near the edge on the translucent cover 64 side, a second light source 69B provided on the back surface (other side), and a third light source 69C provided on the front surface of the substrate 62 on the semi-transparent member 66 side. The first light source 69A is provided at a position farther from the translucent cover 64 than the recessed portion 62A on the front surface of the substrate 62, and irradiates light forward. The second light source 69B is provided on the back surface of the substrate 62 near the edge on the translucent cover 64 side (including the back surface of the protruding portion 62B), and irradiates light backward.

Next, the operation of the side lamp unit 60 will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the side lamp unit 60 cut away and seen from the front side. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the side lamp unit 60 cut away and seen from the rear side. Figures 14 (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the side lamp unit 60. Figures 15 (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the side lamp unit 60.

12 and 13, the substrate 62 is attached to the front side of the front portion 61A of the base member 61, and the edge on the translucent cover 64 side is provided to protrude beyond the side portion 61B of the base member 61. That is, the bottom side of the recess 62A of the substrate 62 is provided in a position aligned with the side portion 61B in the front-rear direction, and the protrusion 62B is provided to protrude toward the translucent cover 64 side from the side portion 61B. Therefore, of the multiple light sources 69, the first light source 69A is provided on the inner side farther away from the translucent cover 64 than the side portion 61B, and the second light source 69B is provided on the outer side closer to the translucent cover 64 than the side portion 61B. On the other hand, the third light source 69C is provided in a space surrounded by the semi-transparent member 66.

14(A), the light emitted from the first light source 69A travels forward and reaches the reflecting portion 63D of the internal member 63 and the inner surface of the translucent cover 64. The light that reaches the reflecting portion 63D is reflected by its convex surface so as to spread outward, and some of the reflected light travels toward the translucent cover 64. Some of the light that reaches the translucent cover 64 in this way passes through the translucent cover 64, causing the translucent cover 64 to emit light when viewed from the outside. Meanwhile, the light reflected by the reflecting portion 63D and the inner surface of the translucent cover 64 is diffused in various directions while being repeatedly reflected. As shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 14 (B), some of this reflected light passes through the recess 62A (see Figures 12 and 13) of the substrate 62 and reaches the reflective portion 61E of the base member 61 behind the substrate 62 and the inner surface of the translucent cover 64. The reflected light reflected by the reflective portion 61E and the light that reaches the translucent cover 64 pass through the translucent cover 64, causing the translucent cover 64 to emit light when viewed from the outside.

As shown by the solid arrows in FIG. 15(A), the light emitted from the second light source 69B reaches the side portion 61B and the reflecting portion 61E of the base member 61 toward the rear, and the inner surface of the translucent cover 64. The light that reaches the side portion 61B and the reflecting portion 61E is reflected by the convex surface of the reflecting portion 61E so as to spread outward, and the reflected light is directed toward the translucent cover 64, as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 15(B). The light that reaches the translucent cover 64 in this way passes through the translucent cover 64, causing the translucent cover 64 to emit light when viewed from the outside. As described above, the light emitted from the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B reaches not only the front side of the surface extension line L (see FIG. 7) of the substrate 62, but also the translucent cover 64 located rearward of the surface extension line L, causing the entire translucent cover 64 to emit light evenly.

In the side lamp unit 60 of this embodiment, the recess 62A of the substrate 62 forms a transmission section that transmits light from the first light source 69A on the front (one surface) side behind the substrate 62 (the other surface side). The recess 62A and protrusion 62B formed on the edge of the substrate 62 on the translucent cover 64 side form a shadow reduction means that reduces the projection of a shadow onto the translucent cover 64. Furthermore, the recess 62A and protrusion 62B as the transmission section and shadow reduction means form a light homogenizing means that homogenizes the light irradiated from the light source 69 to the translucent cover 64.

According to this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be achieved.
(1) In the first embodiment, the side lamp unit 60 has a recess 62A formed in the substrate as a transmissive portion. By transmitting light irradiated from the first light source 69A of the substrate 62 rearward through the recess 62A, it is possible to prevent shadows from appearing in the portion of the translucent cover 64 rearward of the substrate 62, and it is possible to cause the entire translucent cover 64 to emit light evenly.

(2) In addition, the side lamp unit 60 has a recess 62A and a protrusion 62B on the edge of the substrate 62 as a shadow reduction means, which reduces the shadow cast on the translucent cover 64, making it difficult for a shadow to form on the surface extension line L of the substrate 62, thereby suppressing uneven light emission from the translucent cover 64.

(3) Furthermore, the side lamp unit 60 has a substrate 62 and a translucent cover 64, and the translucent cover 64 is curved and arranged to intersect with the surface extension line L of the substrate 62. The light irradiated to the translucent cover 64 from the first light source 69A arranged on the front surface of the substrate 62 is homogenized by the recessed portion 62A and the protruding portion 62B as a light homogenizing means, thereby suppressing uneven light emission of the translucent cover 64.

(4) Furthermore, the side lamp unit 60 has a first light source 69A provided on the front side of the substrate 62 and a second light source 69B provided on the back side of the substrate 62, so that light can reach the translucent cover 64 on both the front and rear sides of the substrate 62. Furthermore, the second light source 69B is provided closer to the translucent cover 64 than the first light source 69A, so that the number and brightness of the second light sources 69B can be appropriately set to ensure sufficient brightness on the rear side, and the entire translucent cover 64 can be illuminated evenly.

(5) In addition, the side lamp unit 60 can be made smaller and more energy-efficient because the light source 69 is an LED. Even if a highly directional LED is used, the recessed portion 62A and the protruding portion 62B can suppress uneven light emission from the translucent cover 64.

(6) In addition, the side lamp unit 60 is provided with a reflecting portion 63D of the internal member 63, and light from the first light source 69A is reflected by the reflecting portion 63D, which makes it easier for the reflected light to reach the rear side through the recess 62A of the substrate 62. The reflecting portions 63D and 61E are formed with a convex surface, which allows the reflected light to spread over a wide range, and allows the entire translucent cover 64 to emit light evenly.

[Modifications of the embodiment]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and improvements within the scope of the present invention that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.
(1) In the above embodiment, the side lamps 53 (side lamp unit 60) are exemplified as the light emitting means, but the present invention is not limited to the side lamps 53 and can be applied to light emitting parts of each part of the gaming machine, such as the upper lamps and lower lamps. When applied to the upper lamp, an example of a configuration is that the light-transmitting cover is provided from the front side to the upper side of the gaming machine main body, and the board is provided inside the cover perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the structure of the board 62 as shown in the following Figures 16 to 18 can also be adopted. Figures 16 to 18 are cross-sectional and front views showing the board of a side lamp unit according to a modified example of the present invention.

(2) In the side lamp unit 60 of the above embodiment, the recess 62A and the protrusion 62B of the substrate 62 serving as the shadow reduction means and the light homogenization means were formed in an angular shape when viewed from the front, but may be in a form as shown in FIG. 16(A). In the substrate 62 shown in FIG. 16(A), the protrusion 62B has an arc-shaped outer shape. By making the outer shape of the protrusion 62B arc-shaped in this way, the projection of the shadow of the substrate 62 onto the translucent cover 64 can be further reduced, and the shadow is less likely to be formed, further reducing uneven light emission of the translucent cover 64.

(3) In the side lamp unit 60 of the above embodiment, the recess 62A of the substrate 62 constitutes the transmission section, the shadow reduction means, and the light homogenization means, but as shown in FIG. 16(B), the substrate 62 may be provided with a transparent section 62C. In the substrate 62 shown in FIG. 16(B), a transparent section 62C made of a transparent resin material is provided on the edge on the translucent cover 64 side so as to avoid the second light source 69B. This transparent section 62C constitutes the transmission section, the shadow reduction means, and the light homogenization means, and it is possible for light from the first light source 69A to be transmitted to the rear of the substrate 62 through the transparent section 62C.

(4) In the side lamp unit 60 of the above embodiment, the concave portion 62A and the convex portion 62B of the substrate 62 constitute the shadow reduction means and the light uniformization means. However, as shown in FIG. 16(C), the substrate 62 may be provided with a diffusion portion 62D. In the substrate 62 shown in FIG. 16(C), the edge on the translucent cover 64 side is provided with a diffusion portion 62D made of a translucent resin material or a resin material having a plurality of minute lenses. The diffusion portion 62D constitutes the shadow reduction means and the light uniformization means, and the diffusion portion 62D diffuses the light from the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B, thereby reducing the projection of the shadow of the substrate 62 onto the translucent cover 64.

(5) In the side lamp unit 60 of the embodiment, the recess 62A of the substrate 62 as the shading means and the light homogenizing means was formed only to a position closer to the translucent cover 64 than the second light source 69B, but may be in a form as shown in FIG. 17(A). In the substrate 62 shown in FIG. 17(A), the recess 62A is formed to a position farther from the translucent cover 64 than the second light source 69B, that is, the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B are provided in the convex portion 62B. By forming the recess 62A to be deep in this way, the light from the first light source 69A is transmitted to the back side and the light from the second light source 69B is transmitted to the front side, thereby reducing the unevenness of the light emission of the translucent cover 64. In addition, in the substrate 62 shown in FIG. 17(B), the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B are provided vertically side by side on the convex portion 62B, that is, at a position equidistant from the translucent cover 64. Therefore, the light from the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B is configured to reach the translucent cover 64 evenly.

(6) In the side lamp unit 60 of the above embodiment, the substrate 62 is a double-sided substrate with circuits on both sides thereof, but as shown in FIG. 18, the substrate 62 may be a two-layer substrate. The substrate 62 shown in FIGS. 18(A) and (B) includes a first substrate 62E on the front side and a second substrate 62F on the rear side, with a circuit provided between them. In the substrate 62 shown in FIG. 18(A), the edge of the first substrate 62E on the translucent cover 64 side is set back from the second substrate 62F, and the first light source 69A is provided on the front side (one surface). The second substrate 62F includes a recess 62A formed in a position aligned with the edge of the first substrate 62E and a protrusion 62B protruding toward the translucent cover 64 side from the edge of the first substrate 62E, and the second light source 69B is provided on the rear side (other surface) of the protrusion 62B. By constructing it using such a two-layer substrate, it becomes possible to easily process the substrate 62 to provide a transmission section, a shadow reduction means, and a light homogenization means.

In the substrate 62 shown in FIG. 18B, the first substrate 62E and the second substrate 62F are provided at approximately the same edge on the translucent cover 64 side. A first light source 69A is provided on the front surface (one side) of the first substrate 62E near the edge, and a second light source 69B is provided on the back surface (other side) of the second substrate 62F near the edge. These first light source 69A and second light source 69B are provided back-to-back at the same front and rear positions of the substrate 62, that is, at positions equidistant from the translucent cover 64. Therefore, the light from the first light source 69A and the second light source 69B is configured to reach the translucent cover 64 evenly. By providing the light sources 69A and 69B at the same front and rear positions using such a two-layer substrate, it is possible to allow even light to reach the translucent cover 64 on one side and the other side of the substrate 62, and the entire translucent cover 64 can be illuminated without unevenness.

[Inventions extracted from each embodiment]
The following describes the features of the invention group extracted from the above-mentioned embodiment. Note that, among the features of the invention group, the configurations corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment are shown in parentheses, but the features of the invention group are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc., within the scope of achieving the purpose of the features of the invention group, and combinations of each feature are included in the features of the invention group.

<Features Group A>
Feature A1.
A gaming machine equipped with a light emitting means (side lamp 53) having a board (board 62) on which a light source (light source 69) is mounted and a light-transmitting cover (light-transmitting cover 64) that transmits light irradiated from the light source,
the light-transmitting cover is disposed so as to intersect with an extension line of a surface of the substrate and to be spaced apart from an edge of the substrate;
The light source (first light source 69A) is provided on one surface of the substrate, and the substrate is provided with a transmissive portion (recess 62A, transparent portion 62C) that transmits light from one surface side to the other surface side.

According to Feature A1 of the present invention group, the light emitting means has a transparent portion provided on the substrate, and allows light irradiated from a light source on one side of the substrate to be transmitted to the other side by the transparent portion, thereby allowing the light to reach the other side. Therefore, in a light-transmitting cover provided to intersect with the surface extension line of the substrate, it is possible to prevent shadows from being generated in the portion located on the other side of the surface extension line of the substrate, and the entire light-transmitting cover can be made to emit light evenly. In this way, while employing a light-emitting means with a relatively simple configuration, the presentation and design can be improved by making the entire light-transmitting cover emit light evenly.

Feature A2.
In the gaming machine according to feature A1 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the transparent portion is constituted by a recess (recess 62A) formed by cutting out an edge of the substrate.

According to feature A2 of the present invention group, the transmissive portion is formed by a recess formed by cutting out the edge of the substrate, and light can reach the other side of the substrate through this recess.

Feature A3.
In the gaming machine according to feature A2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that a second light source (second light source 69B) is provided on the other surface of the convex portion (convex portion 62B) on which the concave portion is not formed in the board.

According to feature A3 of the present invention, by providing a second light source on the other side of the convex portion of the substrate, the amount of light on the other side can be increased, and the amount of light on the entire translucent cover can be made uniform.

Feature A4.
In the gaming machine according to feature A1 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the transmission portion is constituted by a transparent portion (transparent portion 62C) provided near an edge of the substrate.

According to feature A4 of the present invention, the transmission portion is formed by a transparent portion provided near the edge of the substrate, so that light can reach the other side of the substrate through this transparent portion.

Feature A5.
In the gaming machine according to any one of Features A1 to A4 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the light source is an LED.

According to feature A5 of the present invention group, even if the light source is composed of a highly directional LED, the light can be transmitted to the other side by the transparent portion as described above, so that the entire translucent cover can emit light evenly. Furthermore, by using an LED, it is possible to reduce the size and power consumption of the light emitting means.

Feature A6.
In the gaming machine according to any one of Features A1 to A5 of the present invention,
The light emitting means has a reflecting portion (reflecting portion 63D) provided on one side of the substrate for reflecting light from the light source.

According to feature A6 of the present invention group, a reflecting portion is provided on one side of the substrate, and light from the light source is reflected by the reflecting portion, which makes it easier for the reflected light to pass through the transmitting portion of the substrate and reach the other side.

Feature A7.
In the gaming machine according to feature A6 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the reflecting portion is formed to have a convex surface.

According to feature A7 of the present invention group, the reflecting portion is formed with a convex surface, so that the reflected light can be spread over a wide area, and the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly.

Feature A8.
In the gaming machine according to any one of Features A1 to A7 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the light emitting means is a side lamp, and the light-transmitting cover is curved from the front side to the side side of the gaming machine body.

According to feature A8 of the present invention, even if the translucent cover of the side lamp is curved from the front side to the side side of the gaming machine body, the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly.

According to group A of features of the present invention, by transmitting light irradiated from a light source on one side of the substrate to the other side by the transmitting portion, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of shadows in the portion of the translucent cover that is disposed so as to intersect with the surface extension line of the substrate that is located on the other side of the surface extension line of the substrate. Even if a simple structure is adopted, the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly, thereby solving the following problems:

Conventionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. For example, slot machines and pachinko machines are equipped with various light-emitting devices (light-emitting means) on the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the gaming machine main body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These light-emitting devices are configured with a board on which a light source is mounted, a housing that accommodates the board, a light guide plate that transmits light from the light source and appropriately diffuses and emits it, and a cover that covers the board, housing, and the front side of the light guide plate. In this light-emitting device, light is irradiated from the light source on the board, diffused through the light guide plate, and then emitted, causing the entire cover to emit light or projecting an appropriate pattern onto the cover.

However, in conventional light-emitting means, a cover is provided to cover the front side of the substrate, and light from the light source is emitted to the cover through a light guide plate. This restricts the shape of the cover and the arrangement of the substrate and cover, making it difficult to increase the freedom of design of the light-emitting means. In addition, a light guide plate is required to illuminate the entire cover, which creates the problem of a complex and large structure for the light-emitting means.

<Characteristics Group B>
Feature B1.
A gaming machine equipped with a light emitting means (side lamp 53) having a board (board 62) on which a light source (light source 69) is mounted and a light-transmitting cover (light-transmitting cover 64) that transmits light irradiated from the light source,
the light-transmitting cover is disposed so as to intersect with an extension line of a surface of the substrate and to be spaced apart from an edge of the substrate;
The light source (first light source 69A) is provided on at least one surface of the substrate, and an edge of the substrate is provided with a shadow reduction means (concave portion 62A, convex portion 62B, transparent portion 62C, diffusion portion 62D) for reducing the projection of a shadow onto the translucent cover.

According to feature B1 of the present invention group, the light emitting means is provided with a shadow reduction means at the edge of the substrate, and by reducing the shadow cast on the translucent cover by the shadow reduction means, shadows are less likely to form on the extension line of the substrate surface, and uneven light emission of the translucent cover can be suppressed. In this way, while a light emitting means with a relatively simple configuration is employed, the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly, thereby improving the presentation and design.

Feature B2.
In the gaming machine according to feature B1 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the shading means is constituted by a recess (recess 62A) formed by cutting out an edge of the board.

According to feature B2 of the present invention group, the shadow reduction means is constituted by a recess cut into the edge of the substrate, so that the projected area of the edge of the substrate can be reduced and shadows are less likely to form on the translucent cover. In addition, since light can reach the other side of the substrate through the recess, the amount of light on the other side of the substrate beyond the extension line of the substrate surface in the translucent cover can be increased, and the entire translucent cover can be illuminated evenly.

Feature B3.
In the gaming machine according to feature B2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that a second light source (second light source 69B) is provided on the other surface of the convex portion (convex portion 62B) on which the concave portion is not formed in the board.

According to feature B3 of the present invention, a second light source is provided on the other side of the convex portion of the substrate, so that the amount of light on the other side can be increased and the amount of light on the entire translucent cover can be made uniform.

Feature B4.
In the gaming machine according to feature B1 of the present invention,
The said shading means is constituted by a transparent part (transparent part 62C) or a diffusion part (diffusion part 62D) provided in the vicinity of an edge of the said board.

According to feature B4 of the present invention, the shadow reduction means is constituted by a transparent portion or a diffusing portion provided near the edge of the substrate, which reliably reduces the shadow cast on the translucent cover and allows light to reach the other side of the substrate through this transparent portion.

Feature B5.
In the gaming machine according to any one of Features B1 to B4 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the light source is an LED.

According to feature B5 of the present invention group, even if the light source is constituted by a highly directional LED, by reducing the projected area of the edge of the substrate using the shadow reduction means as described above, it is possible to prevent shadows from being cast on the translucent cover and suppress uneven light emission. Furthermore, by using an LED, it is possible to reduce the size and power consumption of the light emitting means.

Feature B6.
In the gaming machine according to any one of Features B1 to B5 of the present invention,
The light emitting means has a reflecting portion (reflecting portion 63D) provided on one side of the substrate for reflecting light from the light source.

According to feature B6 of the present invention group, a reflecting portion is provided on one side of the substrate, and light from the light source is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light reaches the translucent cover, making it difficult for a shadow to form on the translucent cover and suppressing uneven light emission.

Feature B7.
In the gaming machine according to feature B6 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the reflecting portion is formed to have a convex surface.

According to feature B7 of the present invention group, the reflecting portion is formed with a convex surface, so that the reflected light can be spread over a wide area, and the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly.

Feature B8.
In the gaming machine according to any one of Features B1 to B7 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the light emitting means is a side lamp, and the light-transmitting cover is curved from the front side to the side side of the gaming machine body.

According to feature B8 of the present invention, even if the translucent cover of the side lamp is curved from the front side to the side side of the gaming machine body, the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly.

According to feature group B of the present invention, a shadow reduction means is provided on the edge of the substrate, and by using the shadow reduction means to reduce the shadow cast on the translucent cover, shadows are less likely to form on the extension line of the substrate's surface. Even if a simple structure is adopted, uneven light emission from the translucent cover can be suppressed, thereby solving the following problems:

Conventionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. For example, slot machines and pachinko machines are equipped with various light-emitting devices (light-emitting means) on the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the gaming machine main body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These light-emitting devices are configured with a board on which a light source is mounted, a housing that accommodates the board, a light guide plate that transmits light from the light source and appropriately diffuses and emits it, and a cover that covers the board, housing, and the front side of the light guide plate. In this light-emitting device, light is irradiated from the light source on the board, diffused through the light guide plate, and then emitted, causing the entire cover to emit light or projecting an appropriate pattern onto the cover.

However, in conventional light-emitting means, a cover is provided to cover the front side of the substrate, and light from the light source is emitted to the cover through a light guide plate. This restricts the shape of the cover and the arrangement of the substrate and cover, making it difficult to increase the freedom of design of the light-emitting means. In addition, a light guide plate is required to illuminate the entire cover, which creates the problem of a complex and large structure for the light-emitting means.

<Characteristics Group C>
Feature C1.
A gaming machine equipped with a light emitting means (side lamp 53) having a board (board 62) on which a light source (light source 69) is mounted and a light-transmitting cover (light-transmitting cover 64) that transmits light irradiated from the light source,
the light-transmitting cover is disposed so as to intersect with an extension line of a surface of the substrate and to be spaced apart from an edge of the substrate;
The light source has a first light source (first light source 69A) provided on one side of the board, and a second light source (second light source 69B) provided on the other side of the board.

According to feature C1 of the present invention group, the light emitting means has a first light source provided on one side of the substrate and a second light source provided on the other side of the substrate, so that light can reach the translucent cover on both sides of the substrate, and the entire translucent cover can be illuminated evenly. In this way, while employing a light emitting means with a relatively simple configuration, the entire translucent cover can be illuminated evenly, thereby enhancing presentation and design.

Feature C2.
In the gaming machine according to feature C1 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the second light source (second light source 69B) is provided at a position closer to the translucent cover than the first light source (first light source 69A).

According to feature C2 of the present invention, the second light source is disposed closer to the translucent cover than the first light source, and by appropriately setting the number and brightness of the second light sources, it becomes easier to ensure brightness on the rear side, and the entire translucent cover can be illuminated evenly.

Feature C3.
In the gaming machine according to feature C1 or feature C2 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the board is provided with a transmission portion (a recess 62A, a transparent portion 62C) that transmits light at an edge closer to the translucent cover than the first light source.

According to feature C3 of the present invention group, by providing a transmissive portion on the substrate, the transmissive portion can transmit light from the first light source from one side to the other side and transmit light from the second light source from the other side to the one side, thereby reducing unevenness in light emission across the entire translucent cover.

Feature C4.
In the gaming machine according to feature C3 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the transparent portion is constituted by a recess (recess 62A) formed by cutting out an edge of the substrate.

According to feature C4 of the present invention, the transmissive portion is formed by a recess cut into the edge of the substrate, allowing light to pass through this recess.

Feature C5.
In the gaming machine according to feature C4 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second light source is provided on the other surface of the convex portion (convex portion 62B) on which the concave portion is not formed in the substrate.

According to feature C5 of the present invention, by providing a second light source on the other side of the convex portion, the second light source can be provided in a position close to the translucent cover, and the brightness of the translucent cover on the other side can be ensured.

Feature C6.
In the gaming machine according to feature C3 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the transmission portion is constituted by a transparent portion (transparent portion 62C) provided near an edge of the substrate.

According to feature C6 of the present invention, the transmission portion is formed by a transparent portion provided near the edge of the substrate, and light can be transmitted through this transparent portion.

Feature C7.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C6 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the first light source and the second light source are LEDs.

According to feature C7 of the present invention, even if the light source is configured with a highly directional LED, the entire translucent cover can be illuminated evenly by the light sources provided on both sides of the substrate as described above. Furthermore, by using LEDs, it is possible to reduce the size and power consumption of the light emitting means.

Feature C8.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C7 of the present invention,
The light emitting means has a first reflecting portion (reflecting portion 63D) provided on one side of the substrate for reflecting light from the first light source, and a second reflecting portion (reflecting portion 61E) provided on the other side of the substrate for reflecting light from the second light source.

According to feature C8 of the present invention group, a first reflecting portion is provided on one side of the substrate, and a second reflecting portion is provided on the other side of the substrate, and light from the first light source and the second light source is reflected by the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion, respectively, making it easier for the reflected light to reach the translucent cover.

Feature C9.
In the gaming machine according to feature C8 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion are each formed to have a convex surface.

According to feature C9 of the present invention, the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion are formed with a convex surface, so that the reflected light can be spread over a wide area, and the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly.

Feature C10.
In a gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C9 of the present invention,
The gaming machine, wherein the light emitting means is a side lamp, and the light-transmitting cover is curved from the front side to the side side of the gaming machine body.

According to feature C10 of the present invention, even if the translucent cover of the side lamp is curved from the front side to the side side of the gaming machine body, the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly.

According to feature group C of the present invention, the light emitting means has a first light source and a second light source, so that light can reach the translucent cover on one side and the other side of the substrate, ensuring brightness of the portion of the translucent cover located on the other side of the extension line of the substrate surface, and allowing the entire translucent cover to emit light evenly, thereby solving the following problems:

Conventionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. For example, slot machines and pachinko machines are equipped with various light-emitting devices (light-emitting means) on the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the gaming machine main body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These light-emitting devices are configured with a board on which a light source is mounted, a housing that accommodates the board, a light guide plate that transmits light from the light source and appropriately diffuses and emits it, and a cover that covers the board, housing, and the front side of the light guide plate. In this light-emitting device, light is irradiated from the light source on the board, diffused through the light guide plate, and then emitted, causing the entire cover to emit light or projecting an appropriate pattern onto the cover.

However, in conventional light-emitting means, a cover is provided to cover the front side of the substrate, and light from the light source is emitted to the cover through a light guide plate. This restricts the shape of the cover and the arrangement of the substrate and cover, making it difficult to increase the freedom of design of the light-emitting means. In addition, a light guide plate is required to illuminate the entire cover, which creates the problem of a complex and large structure for the light-emitting means.

<Feature D group>
Feature D1.
A gaming machine comprising a gaming machine main body and a side lamp (side lamp 53) provided on a front side of the gaming machine main body,
The side lamp has a substrate (substrate 62) on which a light source (light source 69) is mounted, and a light-transmitting cover (light-transmitting cover 64) that transmits light emitted from the light source,
The substrate is provided along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the gaming machine body, and the light source is provided on at least the front surface of the substrate;
The light-transmitting cover is provided in a curved shape from the front side to the side side of the gaming machine body and is provided so as to intersect with an extension line of the surface of the base plate,
A gaming machine comprising a light homogenizing means (a recessed portion, a protruding portion, a transparent portion, and a diffusing portion) for homogenizing the light irradiated from the light source to the light-transmitting cover.

According to feature D1 of the present invention group, the side lamp has a substrate and a translucent cover, the translucent cover is curved and intersects with the surface extension line of the substrate, and the light irradiated onto the translucent cover from the light source provided on the front surface of the substrate is homogenized by the light homogenizing means, thereby suppressing uneven light emission of the translucent cover. In this way, while employing a light emitting means with a relatively simple configuration, the entire translucent cover is made to emit light uniformly, thereby enhancing the presentation and design.

Feature D2.
In the gaming machine according to feature D1 of the present invention,
The light homogenizing means is configured by a transmission portion (a recess 62A, a transparent portion 62C) provided on the substrate and transmitting light from the front side to the rear side.

According to feature D2 of the present invention group, the light irradiated from the light source on the front side of the substrate is transmitted to the rear side by the transmitting portion, so that the light can reach the translucent cover on the rear side of the substrate, and the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly.

Feature D3.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention,
The light homogenizing means is composed of a shadow reduction means (a concave portion 62A, a convex portion 62B, a transparent portion 62C, and a diffusion portion 62D) provided on an edge of the substrate and reducing the projection of a shadow onto the translucent cover.

According to feature D3 of the present invention group, by using the shadow reduction means to reduce the shadow cast on the translucent cover, shadows are less likely to appear on the extension line of the substrate surface, and the entire translucent cover can be made to emit light evenly.

Feature D4.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D3 of the present invention,
The light source (light source 69) has a first light source (first light source 69A) provided on the front side of the board, and a second light source (second light source 69B) provided on the rear side of the board at a position closer to the translucent cover than the first light source.

According to feature D4 of the present invention group, the side lamp has a first light source provided on the front side of the substrate and a second light source provided on the back side of the substrate, and is therefore capable of directing light to the translucent covers on the front and back sides of the substrate. Furthermore, by providing the second light source closer to the translucent cover than the first light source, the brightness of the portion of the translucent cover that is provided intersecting the surface extension line of the substrate and that is located on the back side of the surface extension line of the substrate can be ensured, and the entire translucent cover can be illuminated evenly.

Feature D5.
In the gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D4 of the present invention,
The light homogenizing means is constituted by a recess (recess 62A) formed by cutting out an edge of the substrate.

According to feature D5 of the present invention group, the light homogenizing means is constituted by a recess cut into the edge of the substrate, so that the projected area of the edge of the substrate can be reduced and shadows are less likely to form on the translucent cover. In addition, since light can reach the back side of the substrate through the recess, the amount of light on the back side of the substrate in the translucent cover can be increased beyond the extension of the surface of the substrate, and the entire translucent cover can be illuminated evenly.

Feature D6.
In the gaming machine according to feature D5 of the present invention,
The gaming machine is characterized in that a second light source (second light source 69B) is provided on a back surface of a convex portion (convex portion 62B) on which the concave portion is not formed in the board.

According to feature D6 of the present invention, the second light source is provided on the rear surface of the convex portion, so that the second light source can be provided in a position close to the translucent cover, and the brightness of the translucent cover on the rear surface side can be ensured.

According to feature group D of the present invention, the translucent cover is provided in a curved shape intersecting with the surface extension line of the substrate, and the light irradiated onto the translucent cover from the light source provided on the front surface of the substrate is homogenized by the light homogenizing means, thereby suppressing unevenness in the light emission of the translucent cover, thereby solving the following problems:

Conventionally, typical examples of gaming machines include slot machines and pachinko machines. For example, slot machines and pachinko machines are equipped with various light-emitting devices (light-emitting means) on the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the gaming machine main body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These light-emitting devices are configured with a board on which a light source is mounted, a housing that accommodates the board, a light guide plate that transmits light from the light source and appropriately diffuses and emits it, and a cover that covers the board, housing, and the front side of the light guide plate. In this light-emitting device, light is irradiated from the light source on the board, diffused through the light guide plate, and then emitted, causing the entire cover to emit light or projecting an appropriate pattern onto the cover.

However, in conventional light-emitting means, a cover is provided to cover the front side of the substrate, and light from the light source is emitted to the cover through a light guide plate. This restricts the shape of the cover and the arrangement of the substrate and cover, making it difficult to increase the freedom of design of the light-emitting means. In addition, a light guide plate is required to illuminate the entire cover, which creates the problem of a complex and large structure for the light-emitting means.

As described above, the present invention can be suitably used in gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines.

10. Slot machines (gaming machines)
53 Side lamp (side lamp as light emitting means)
61E Reflection section (second reflection section)
62 Substrate 62A Recess (transmitting portion, shadow reduction means, light uniformizing means)
62B Convex portion (shading means, light uniformizing means)
62C Transparent section (transmitting section, shadow reduction means, light uniformization means)
62D Diffusion section (shading means, light uniformizing means)
63D Reflection portion (first reflection portion)
69 Light source 69A First light source 69B Second light source L Surface extension line

Claims (1)

A gaming machine having a light emitting means including a substrate on which a light source is mounted and a light-transmitting cover that transmits light emitted from the light source,
the light-transmitting cover is disposed so as to intersect with an extension line of a surface of the substrate and to be spaced apart from an edge of the substrate;
A gaming machine characterized in that the light source is provided on at least one surface of the substrate, and a recess is provided on an edge of the substrate, and this recess is configured to reduce the projection of shadows onto the translucent cover.

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