JP2024060874A - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing interference with a management key. [Solution] An opening/closing door 12 is formed with an insertion port 22a through which gaming medals can be inserted, and a locking device 13 is formed with a specific insertion port (keyhole 13a as an example) through which a door key can be inserted, and the opening/closing door 12 can be opened by an unlocking operation that includes inserting the door key into the specific insertion port, and when viewed from the direction in which the door key is inserted into the specific insertion port, the specific insertion port is rectangular or approximately rectangular, and a relationship of P<B holds between a length B of the specific insertion port along the longitudinal direction and a length P of the insertion port along the thickness direction of the gaming medal. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

This invention relates to gaming machines.

A reel-type gaming machine (a so-called slot machine) is known as an example of a gaming machine. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a slot machine, which will be described below. A slot machine has an insertion slot for gaming media. When a gaming medium is inserted into the insertion slot, the number of bets (number of bets) or the number of credits is increased. A slot machine is equipped with various operating means. For example, the various operating means include a start lever, a stop button, a settlement button, and a performance button.

The slot machine is configured so that the inside of the machine can be accessed by using a door key to unlock the locking device and open the door. The slot machine is also configured so that the settings can be changed by inserting a setting key into an insertion slot provided inside the machine. In general, these management keys, such as the door key and setting key, are used by the administrator of the slot machine.

JP 2007-307138 A

When using the management key to perform maintenance, it is possible that the manager may drop the management key. If the management key interferes with the gap between the operated part of the operating means and its surrounding parts, or with parts such as the game medium insertion slot, there is a risk of it affecting the machine.

The gaming machine that solves the above problem comprises an opening/closing door pivotally supported at a first end and a locking device at a second end opposite the first end, the opening/closing door is formed with an insertion port through which gaming medals can be inserted, the locking device is formed with a specific insertion port through which a door key can be inserted, the opening/closing door can be opened by an unlocking operation that includes inserting the door key into the specific insertion port, the specific insertion port is rectangular or approximately rectangular when viewed from the direction in which the door key is inserted into the specific insertion port, and the relationship P<B holds between the length B of the specific insertion port along the longitudinal direction and the length P of the insertion port along the thickness direction of the gaming medal.

The present invention makes it possible to suppress interference with management keys.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a slot machine as viewed from the front. 1A is an enlarged view of the locking device, FIG. 1B is a front view of the door key, and FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the door key. 1A and 1B are enlarged views of the sound production device as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a table portion (operation surface) as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the slot machine when the door is in an open state. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a selector; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine. 1A is an enlarged view of the setting operation unit, FIG. 1B is a top view of the setting key, FIG. 1C is a front view of the setting key, and FIG. 1D is a bottom view of the setting key. 13 is a flowchart showing a main processing of game progress.

In the present specification, the directions of up, down, left, right, front, and rear indicate the directions as seen by a player playing on the gaming machine.
As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine 10, which is an example of a gaming machine, includes a main body cabinet 11 in the shape of a square box having an opening 11a on the front side, and an opening door 12 that can cover the opening 11a of the main body cabinet 11. The opening door 12 is pivotally supported on one side edge of the main body cabinet 11. As an example, the opening door 12 is pivotally supported at a left end EL side that is to the left of a center line CL in the left-right direction. The left end EL is an example of a first end. Not limited to this, the opening door 12 may be pivotally supported at a right end ER side of the center line CL. In this specification, for a certain part and component, "being on a certain end side" of the center line CL includes not only that the entirety of the certain part and component is present on a certain end side of the center line CL, but also that the certain part and component overlap with the center line CL when viewed from the front, while the center of the certain part and component is located on a certain end side of the center line CL.

The opening/closing door 12 can be opened and closed between a closed state in which the opening 11a of the main body cabinet 11 is closed and an open state in which the opening 11a is open. The slot machine 10 is equipped with a door sensor SE4 that can detect when the opening/closing door 12 is open (see FIG. 8). The door sensor SE4 outputs a door open signal when the opening/closing door 12 is in the open state.

The slot machine 10 includes a locking device 13. The locking device 13 is provided on the right end ER side of the center line CL of both ends (edges) of the opening and closing door 12 in the left-right direction. The right end ER is an example of a second end opposite to the first end. The locking device 13 has a keyhole 13a formed therein as an example of a specific insertion port into which the door key K1 can be inserted. The door key K1 is an example of a management key used to manage the slot machine 10. The slot machine 10 is placed in an unlocked state in which the opening and closing door 12 can be opened by an unlocking operation that includes inserting the door key K1 into the keyhole 13a. As an example, the unlocking operation is inserting the door key K1 into the keyhole 13a of the locking device 13 and rotating it in a predetermined direction. The locking device 13 is placed in a locked state by a locking operation. In the locked state, opening the opening and closing door 12 is restricted. The locking operation does not require the door key K1, and involves closing the opening and closing door 12 from an open state to a closed state. However, the locking operation is not limited to this, and may involve inserting the door key K1 into the keyhole 13a and rotating it in the opposite direction to the specified direction.

2(a) to (c), when viewed from the insertion direction of the door key K1 into the keyhole 13a, the keyhole 13a is rectangular or approximately rectangular. In this specification, "approximately rectangular" means a shape that can be recognized as a rectangle as a whole. For example, approximately rectangular may include a shape with rounded corners, a shape with recessed or protruding parts on some or all sides, etc. The length A along the short side of the keyhole 13a corresponds to the length K1A in the thickness direction of the door key K1. The length B along the long side of the keyhole 13a corresponds to the length K1B in the width direction of the door key K1. The length R along the diagonal direction of the keyhole 13a corresponds to the length K1R in the diagonal direction of the door key K1. In other words, the keyhole 13a is substantially the same in size and shape as the door key K1, and is formed in a size and shape that allows the door key K1 to be inserted. The door key K1 may have an operating part Ks covered with resin. The length K11 along the thickness direction of the operating part Ks is longer than the length K1A. The length K13 along the width direction of the operating part Ks is longer than the length K1B.

As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 is equipped with a light-emitting performance device 15. The light-emitting performance device 15 is disposed on the front side of the opening and closing door 12. The light-emitting performance device 15 is configured to include one or more light-emitting bodies (not shown), for example, LEDs. The light-emitting performance device 15 can perform performances by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing the light-emitting bodies (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting performances). The light-emitting performance device 15 can perform notifications by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing the light-emitting bodies (hereinafter referred to as notification emission).

The slot machine 10 is equipped with multiple sound production devices 16. The sound production devices 16 are disposed on the front side of the opening and closing door 12. Each sound production device 16 is configured to include one or more speakers 16s. Each sound production device 16 is capable of executing a performance that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as a sound production) and an announcement that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as an announcement). For example, the predetermined sound is a piece of music, a sound effect, a human voice reading a predetermined string of characters, etc.

The multiple sound production devices 16 include a left sound production device 16L located at the left end EL side of the center line CL, and a right sound production device 16R located at the right end ER side of the center line CL. The left sound production device 16L includes a left sound production device 16LA and a left sound production device 16LB. The left sound production device 16LB is located above the left sound production device 16LA. The right sound production device 16R includes a right sound production device 16RA and a right sound production device 16RB. The right sound production device 16RB is located above the right sound production device 16RA. This is not limited to this, and the configuration may omit the upper sound production devices 16LB and 16RB, or the configuration may omit the lower sound production devices 16LA and 16RA.

3(a) and (b), each sound production device 16 has a protective cover 16P as an example of a protective part that covers the front side of the speaker 16s to protect it. Each protective cover 16P has one or more sound emission holes 16h that penetrate in the front-rear direction. In one example of this embodiment, each sound emission hole 16h is a circle of the same size. The diameter direction is an example of a specific direction. Without being limited to this, the sound emission hole 16h may include an elongated hole as a specific production opening. In this case, the direction in which the elongated hole extends (the longitudinal direction) is an example of a specific direction. The protective cover 16P is decorated with characters, letters, figures, and other decorations as a specified decoration.

As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 is provided with a sound production device 16 as an example of a production means on at least one of the upper and lower sides of the locking device 13 when viewed from the front. The protective cover 16P is provided with one or more production ports and a sound emission hole 16h as a specific production port. In particular, when viewed from the front, the sound production device 16RB is on a vertical line passing through the locking device 13 on the upper side of the locking device 13. Not limited to this, when viewed from the front, the sound production device 16RB may be near the vertical line passing through the locking device 13 on the upper side of the locking device 13. Also, when viewed from the front, the sound production device 16RA is near the vertical line passing through the locking device 13 on the lower side of the locking device 13. Not limited to this, when viewed from the front, the sound production device 16RA may be on (directly below) the vertical line passing through the locking device 13 on the lower side of the locking device 13.

The slot machine 10 is equipped with a display and effect device 17. The display and effect device 17 is disposed on the front side of the opening and closing door 12. The display and effect device 17 has one or more image display units 17a, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display and effect device 17 can execute an effect that displays a predetermined image (hereinafter, referred to as a display effect), and a notification that displays a predetermined image (hereinafter, referred to as a display notification). For example, the predetermined image is an image such as a performance pattern, a character, a landscape, a letter (character string), a number, or a symbol. In the following description, when the performance pattern, character, etc. are simply referred to as "displaying", it means that the character, etc. are displayed as an image.

The opening and closing door 12 has a substantially rectangular display window 12a below the display device 17 through which the inside of the machine can be seen. The slot machine 10 has a reel unit 20. The reel unit 20 is arranged inside the machine so that the player can see through the display window 12a. The reel unit 20 has a left reel 20a, a center reel 20b, and a right reel 20c. Each of the reels 20a to 20c has a pattern row in which multiple patterns are arranged. The pattern row is formed by wrapping a strip-shaped translucent film on which multiple patterns are printed along the longitudinal direction around the outer periphery of the reels 20a to 20c. There are multiple types of patterns. As an example, the types of patterns may include a cherry pattern, a watermelon pattern, a bell pattern, a 7 pattern, and a replay pattern. As an example, the 7 pattern may constitute a specific role (bonus role). As an example, the replay pattern may constitute a replay role. As an example, the cherry symbol, the watermelon symbol, and the bell symbol may constitute a minor win.

The reel unit 20 includes actuators A1 to A3 that drive the reels 20a to 20c, respectively (see FIG. 8). As an example, the actuators A1 to A3 are stepping motors. The reels 20a to 20c can be rotated and stopped vertically independently of each other by the actuators provided corresponding to each of them. In the slot machine 10, when the reels 20a to 20c rotate, the pattern row visible through the display window 12a is changed, and a variation game is executed. For example, the pattern row is changed in such a way that the pattern row is scrolled vertically from top to bottom.

The display window 12a is large enough to display three consecutive symbols in the circumferential direction of the reels 20a to 20c. An upper stop position, a middle stop position, and a lower stop position are defined in the display window 12a for each of the reels 20a to 20c. When the reels stop spinning, one symbol is stopped at each of the upper stop position, the middle stop position, and the lower stop position.

The reel unit 20 includes reel sensors SE1 to SE3 that detect the rotational positions of the reels 20a to 20c (see FIG. 8). Each reel sensor SE1 to SE3 outputs a symbol signal to identify the symbol that is passing through the pay line NL or the symbol that is stopped on the pay line NL.

The pay line NL will now be explained. In the slot machine 10, a combination of valid stop positions that can determine that the stopped symbol combination is a winning combination is set by a combination of stop positions selected one by one from the three stop positions set on each of the reels 20a to 20c. A line connecting multiple stop positions that make up a valid combination of stop positions is a pay line NL. As an example, a pay line NL is a line connecting the middle stop positions of each of the reels 20a to 20c.

In this specification, "stopped" with respect to symbols means that the symbols stop at either the upper, middle or lower stop position in the display window 12a and are displayed so as to be visible to the player. "Winning" means that a symbol combination for which a prize has been determined is displayed on the winning line NL. In the slot machine 10, when a winning occurs, a profit (prize) is awarded that is determined for the winning symbol combination. Note that combinations other than the valid stopping position combinations are invalid stopping position combinations (so-called invalid lines) in which the displayed symbol combination cannot be determined as a winning combination.

The opening and closing door 12 has a table portion 12b that protrudes forward below the display window 12a (reels 20a to 20b). The table portion 12b has an operation surface 12c that extends forward from the lower portion of the display window 12a. The length of the operation surface 12c in the left-right direction is the same or approximately the same as the length of the opening and closing door 12 in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 10 includes a performance operation unit 21. When viewed from the front, the performance operation unit 21 is located on the operation surface 12c at a position overlapping the center line CL and on the right end ER side. It can also be said that the performance operation unit 21 is located closer to the locking device 13 than the center line CL. The performance operation unit 21 is an example of an operation means located on the second end side. As an example, the performance operation unit 21 is a button type. The performance operation unit 21 has an operated unit 21a that can be operated by a player or the like. When viewed from the front, the operated unit 21a is located at a position overlapping the center line CL and on the right end ER side. The operated unit 21a is supported so that it can be displaced between an initial position and an operation position displaced from the initial position by an external force associated with the operation. When the operated unit 21a is displaced to the operation position, the performance operation unit 21 outputs an operation signal. The initial position is an example of a predetermined position. The operation position is an example of a specific position.

The performance operation unit 21 includes an actuator 21b for operating the operated unit 21a (see FIG. 8). As an example, the actuator 21b may be a vibration motor that vibrates the operated unit 21a. The vibration motor may vibrate the operated unit 21a when the performance operation unit 21 is displaced to the operation position during the effective operation period of the performance operation unit 21 during the execution of the variable game. The actuator 21b may be a solenoid that causes the operated unit 21a to protrude upward from the initial position. The actuator 21b may be a motor that applies a repulsive force to the operated unit 21a. The actuator 21b is an example of a predetermined driving means. The operated unit 21a is operated by the actuator 21b.

When the operated part 21a is in the initial position, a predetermined gap is formed between the operated part 21a and the peripheral member of the operated part 21a (for example, the table part 12b). When the operated part 21a is in the operating position, a predetermined gap is formed between the operated part 21a and the peripheral member of the operated part 21a (for example, the table part 12b). A predetermined gap is formed between the operated part 21a and the peripheral member of the operated part 21a (for example, the table part 12b) even when the actuator 21b is driven and the operated part 21a is operated. These predetermined gaps open upward. Not limited to the above, the performance operation part 21 may be a lever type, a handle type, a joystick type, a pistol type, a trackball type, or a motorcycle throttle type.

The slot machine 10 is equipped with a medal insertion section 22 into which a game medal YM, which is an example of a game medium, can be inserted. The medal insertion section 22 is provided on the operation surface 12c, closer to the right end ER than the center line CL. The medal insertion section 22 is formed with an insertion port 22a through which the game medal YM is inserted. When viewed from above, the insertion port 22a is a rectangle or a nearly rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction. The insertion port 22a opens upward. In this way, the opening and closing door 12 is formed with an insertion port 22a through which the game medal YM can be inserted.

The medal insertion section 22 has a medal alignment section 22b. The medal alignment section 22b is an arc-shaped recess that protrudes downward and extends in the front-rear direction from the front edge of the insertion port 22a. Multiple game medals YM can be placed in the medal alignment section 22b while aligned in the front-rear direction. The medal insertion section 22 has a guide wall 22c that extends upward at the rear edge of the insertion port 22a. The length of the guide wall 22c in the left-right direction is equal to or greater than the length of the insertion port 22a in the left-right direction.

1 and 4, the slot machine 10 includes a bet operation unit 23. The bet operation unit 23 includes a unit bet operation unit 23a and a maximum bet operation unit 23b. Each bet operation unit 23a, 23b is provided on the operation surface 12c on the left end EL side of the center line CL. Each bet operation unit 23a, 23b is a means for performing an operation to bet medals from credits stored internally in the slot machine 10 (a bet operation). The bet operation unit 23 is a so-called bet button. As an example, one, two, or three game medals YM can be bet on one variable game. Three medals is an example of the maximum bet. The slot machine 10 includes a settlement operation unit 24 on the front side of the opening and closing door 12. As an example, the settlement operation unit 24 is a button type. The settlement operation unit 24 is a means for performing an operation to pay back the bet game medals YM and credits.

As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 has a start operation unit 25 on the front side of the opening and closing door 12. As an example, the start operation unit 25 is a lever type. The start operation unit 25 is a means for performing a start operation to start the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c. In other words, the acceptance of the start operation triggers the start of the variable game. In the slot machine 10, the variable game is started based on the start operation. As an example, the bet number operation unit 23, the settlement operation unit 24, and the start operation unit 25 are located on the left end EL side of the center line CL when viewed from the front, but this is not limited to this, and some or all of them may be located on the right end ER side.

The slot machine 10 is provided with a stop operation unit 26 on the front side of the opening and closing door 12. The stop operation unit 26 includes a left stop operation unit 26a, a center stop operation unit 26b, and a left stop operation unit 26c. As an example, each of the stop operation units 26a to 26c is a button type. The left stop operation unit 26a corresponds to the left reel 20a, and is a means for performing a stop operation to stop the rotation of the left reel 20a. The center stop operation unit 26b corresponds to the center reel 20b, and is a means for performing a stop operation to stop the rotation of the center reel 20b. The right stop operation unit 26c corresponds to the right reel 20c, and is a means for performing a stop operation to stop the rotation of the right reel 20c. In the following description, the operation procedure of each of the stop operation units 26a to 26c in one variation game may be simply referred to as the "push order."

When operated, the unit bet number operation unit 23a, maximum bet number operation unit 23b, settlement operation unit 24, start operation unit 25, and stop operation units 26a to 26c each output an operation signal. The slot machine 10 also has a payout outlet 27 for game medals YM at the bottom of the front surface of the opening and closing door 12. The slot machine 10 has a receiving tray 28 for game medals YM paid out from the payout outlet 27.

As shown in FIG. 5, inside the slot machine 10, a hopper unit 29 is fixed to the bottom plate 11b of the main cabinet 11. The hopper unit 29 has a storage box 29a that stores game medals YM, and a support base 29b that supports the storage box 29a. The support base 29b has a payout disk (not shown), a fourth actuator A4 (see FIG. 8) that rotates the payout disk, and a payout outlet 29c for the game medals YM. The fourth actuator A4 is, for example, a stepping motor. The hopper unit 29 is configured to pay out game medals YM stored in the storage box 29a from the payout outlet 29c by rotating the payout disk with the fourth actuator A4.

6 and 7, a selector 30 for selecting the game medal YM inserted from the insertion port 22a is disposed on the rear side of the opening/closing door 12. The selector 30 has a base member 31 that is a substantially rectangular plate. A recess 31b is formed on the rear surface 31S of the base member 31, the width of which corresponds to the diameter of the game medal YM and the depth of which corresponds to the thickness of the game medal YM. The width of the recess 31b corresponds to the length d4 from the bottom surface 31c to the top surface 31d (see FIG. 7). The depth of the recess 31b corresponds to the thickness of the game medal YM and the depth of which corresponds to the diameter of the game medal YM. As an example, the recess 31b extends downward from a portion directly below the insertion port 22a, bends toward the left (to the right in the drawing), and continues to extend toward the left.

The selector 30 has a guide plate 32 in the shape of a substantially square plate attached to the rear surface 31S of the base member 31. The guide plate 32 covers a part of the recess 31b formed in the base member 31. In the selector 30, a medal passage 33 through which the game medals YM inserted from the insertion port 22a flow is formed as a space surrounded by the base member 31 (recess 31b) and the guide plate 32. As an example, the medal passage 33 includes a first portion 33a extending in the vertical direction, a second portion 33b bending to the left at the lower end of the first portion 33a, and a third portion 33c extending slightly downward to the left from the second portion 33b. The medal passage 33 is large enough to allow the game medals YM to pass through one at a time.

The rear surface 31S of the base member 31 is disposed so as to be inclined downward. In other words, at least the second portion 33b and the third portion 33c of the medal passage 33 are positioned such that their upper ends are located further rearward than their lower ends, so that the entire passage is inclined downward.

The guide plate 32 is formed with an outlet 34 for discharging game medals YM that do not meet the standard size. The outlet 34 is a long hole that extends along the second part 33b or the third part 33c, and penetrates the guide plate 32 in the front-rear direction. The lower edge 34d of the outlet 34 is located above the bottom surface 31c of the recess 31b. In other words, the part of the guide plate 32 that forms the lower edge 34d of the outlet 34 constitutes the lower locking part 34a with which the lower end of the game medal YM is locked in the medal passage 33. The lower locking part 34a is a wall-like shape that extends along the bottom surface 31c of the recess 31b on the lower end side of the third part 33c.

The selector 30 includes a block member 35. The block member 35 is disposed above the third portion 33c in the base member 31. The block member 35 includes an upper locking portion 35a to which the upper end of the game medal YM can be locked in the medal passage 33. The upper locking portion 35a is wall-shaped and extends along the top surface 31d of the recess 31b on the upper end side of the third portion 33c.

The block member 35 is supported so as to be displaceable between a closed position where the upper engaging portion 35a contacts the rear surface 31S of the base member 31 and an open position where the upper engaging portion 35a is spaced rearward from the rear surface 31S of the base member 31. The selector 30 includes a fifth actuator A5 that drives the block member 35 (see FIG. 8). As an example, the fifth actuator A5 is a solenoid. The fifth actuator A5 can displace the block member 35 between the closed position and the open position. As an example, when the fifth actuator A5 is in a non-operating state (non-energized state), the block member 35 is in the open position. When the fifth actuator A5 is in an operating state (energized state), the block member 35 is displaced to the closed position.

As an example, the tip (lower end) 35b of the upper locking portion 35a is linear and located below the top surface 31d of the recess 31b. When the block member 35 is in the closed position, the length d1 from the bottom surface 31c of the recess 31b to the tip 35b of the block member 35 (upper locking portion 35a) is shorter than the specified size (diameter X) of the game medal YM. As an example, the standard size of the game medal is a diameter X of 24.7 mm to 25.3 mm. In this case, the length d1 is set to a length such that the upper end of the game medal YM with a diameter of less than 24.35 mm is not locked by the upper locking portion 35a when the lower end of the game medal YM is in contact with the bottom surface 31c of the recess 31b. As an example, the length d1 may be 24.4 mm.

Therefore, when the block member 35 is in the closed state, the upper and lower ends of the game medal YM of the specified size can be locked by the upper locking portion 35a and the lower locking portion 34a, respectively. In other words, when the block member 35 is in the closed state, the game medal YM of the specified size does not fall, or is unlikely to fall, from the discharge port 34, and can pass through the third portion 33c.

On the other hand, when the block member 35 is in the open position, the length d2 from the bottom surface 31c of the recess 31b to the tip 35b of the block member 35 (upper locking portion 35a) is longer than the diameter X of a gaming medal YM of a specified size. As an example, the length d2 may be 25.4 mm. Therefore, when the block member 35 is in the open state, at least one of the upper locking portion 35a and the lower locking portion 34a is not locked with the gaming medal YM. In other words, when the block member 35 is in the open state, the gaming medal YM falls, or easily falls, from the discharge port 34 and cannot pass through the third portion 33c.

An inserted object whose length in a predetermined direction is shorter than the length d3 between the tip 34b of the lower engaging portion 34a and the tip 35b of the upper engaging portion 35a falls from the outlet 34 and cannot pass through the third portion 33c. An inserted object whose length in a predetermined direction is shorter than the length of the outlet 34 along the direction in which the third portion 33c extends falls from the outlet 34 and cannot pass through the third portion 33c. In this way, the selector 30 constitutes an example of an ejection means that can eject an inserted object from the slot 22a to the outside of the machine if the inserted object is not a game medal YM of the specified size. The selector 30 can eject an inserted object to the outside of the machine if the length of the inserted object along the direction in which the inserted object travels is less than the specified length X (diameter X).

The selector 30 has a first insertion sensor SE5, a second insertion sensor SE6, and a third insertion sensor SE7 as sensors for detecting the game medal YM. The insertion sensors SE5 and SE6 are located on the downstream end side of the block member 35 in the third portion 33c. The first insertion sensor SE5 is located upstream of the second insertion sensor SE6. As an example, the insertion sensors SE5 and SE6 are photosensors. The third insertion sensor SE7 is located in the first portion 33a (upstream of the insertion sensors SE5 and SE6). As an example, the third insertion sensor SE7 is a mechanical switch. The insertion sensors SE5 to SE8 output a medal detection signal when they detect the game medal YM.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, a gutter-shaped chute member 40 is provided on the back side of the opening/closing door 12 to receive the game medals YM discharged from the outlet 33d of the selector 30 and guide them to the hopper unit 29. The chute member 40 has a first extension portion 40a extending leftward (rightward in the drawing) from the selector 30, a curved portion 40b curving rearward at the tip of the first extension portion 40a, and a second extension portion 40c extending rearward from the curved portion 40b. When viewed from above, the chute member 40 is inverted L-shaped as a whole. The chute member 40 is provided with a guide path 42 along which the game medals YM can roll from the base end 40d of the chute member 40 to the tip end 40e, as indicated by the arrow Y1 in the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 5, a discharge passage 37 is provided on the back side of the opening/closing door 12 to guide the game medals YM discharged from the discharge port 34 of the selector 30 to the payout port 27. The discharge passage 37 is provided with a receiving port 37a for receiving the game medals YM paid out from the payout port 29c of the hopper unit 29.

The electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 8, the slot machine 10 includes a main board 100 and a sub-board 200. The main board 100 and the sub-board 200 are disposed inside the machine. The main board 100 performs various processes related to the progress of the game. The main board 100 outputs a control signal (control command) to the sub-board 200 according to the result of the processing. The sub-board 200 performs various processes related to the execution of the presentation based on the various control signals input from the main board 100.

The main board 100 will now be described.
The main board 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. The CPU 101 executes various control operations in a predetermined sequence based on a main control program. The ROM 102 stores the main control program, various tables, and various judgment values. The various tables may include a winning information determination table for determining one or more winning information from a plurality of winning information. The winning information is information that can specify a winning combination (symbol combination) that allows winning in a variable game. As an example, one or more winning combinations (symbol combinations) that allow winning in a variable game are determined for each winning information. The RAM 103 stores various information (such as the above-mentioned credits, flags, timers, and counters) that are generated according to the processing of the CPU 101. The main board 100 generates random numbers used in various lottery processes. The random numbers may be hardware random numbers generated by a random number generation circuit, or software random numbers generated by the CPU 101. The random numbers may include special random numbers for determining winning information.

The CPU 101 is connected to the reel sensors SE1 to SE3. The CPU 101 can input symbol signals from each of the reel sensors SE1 to SE3. The CPU 101 is connected to the door sensor SE4. The CPU 101 can input a door open signal from the door sensor SE4. In the following description, "door sensor SE4 turns ON" means that the door sensor SE4 outputs a door open signal. "door sensor SE4 turns OFF" means that the door sensor SE4 stops outputting the door open signal.

The CPU 101 is connected to the insertion sensors SE5 to SE8. The CPU 101 can input medal detection signals from the insertion sensors SE5 to SE8. In the following description, "the insertion sensor turns ON" means that the insertion sensor outputs a medal detection signal. "The insertion sensor turns OFF" means that the insertion sensor stops outputting the medal detection signal. The CPU 101 is connected to the unit bet number operation unit 23a, the maximum bet number operation unit 23b, the settlement operation unit 24, the start operation unit 25, and each of the stop operation units 26a to 26c. The CPU 101 can input operation signals from the unit bet number operation unit 23a, the maximum bet number operation unit 23b, the settlement operation unit 24, the start operation unit 25, and the stop operation units 26a to 26c.

The CPU 101 is connected to the actuators A1 to A5, 21b. The CPU 101 can drive each of the actuators A1 to A5, 21b by outputting a predetermined operation signal (drive signal) to each of them. The CPU 101 can spin and stop each of the reels 20a to 20c by controlling the operation of the actuators A1 to A3. The CPU 101 can spin and stop the payout disk of the hopper unit 29 by controlling the operation of the fourth actuator A4, and control the payout of the game medals YM. The CPU 101 can control the selector 30 (block member 35) to a closed state or an open state by controlling the operation of the fifth actuator A5. The CPU 101 can operate the operated portion 21a by controlling the operation of the actuator 21b.

The main board 100 is equipped with a setting operation unit 104 for changing the setting values. The setting values are information that specifies the payout rate (machine payout rate) in the slot machine 10. The payout rate is the ratio of the number of game medals YM awarded (paid out) as a prize to the total number of game medals YM inserted (total number of bets). As one example, the payout rate can be adjusted by varying the probability of winning a specific role (such as a small role or a bonus role) in the internal lottery. As one example, the payout rate can be adjusted by varying the probability of winning an assist time (AT) in the internal lottery.

9(a) to (d), the setting operation unit 104 has a cylinder 104a. A keyhole 104b is opened at the tip surface of the cylinder 104a. When viewed from the insertion direction of the setting key K2 into the keyhole 104b, the keyhole 104b is rectangular or approximately rectangular. The opening area of the keyhole 104b is smaller than the opening area of the keyhole 13a. The length L of the keyhole 104b along the short side corresponds to the length K2L of the setting key K2 in the thickness direction. The length M of the keyhole 104b along the long side corresponds to the length K2M of the setting key K2 in the width direction. The length T of the keyhole 104b along the diagonal direction corresponds to the length K2T of the setting key K2 in the diagonal direction. In other words, the keyhole 104b is substantially the same size and shape as the setting key K2, and is formed to a size and shape that allows the setting key K2 to be inserted.

As an example, the setting operation unit 104 can be operated to rotate the setting key K2 between the ON position and the OFF position with the setting key K2 inserted into the keyhole 104b. When the setting operation unit 104 is operated to the ON position using the setting key K2, it outputs a setting signal. When the setting operation unit 104 is operated to the OFF position using the setting key K2, it stops outputting the setting signal. The CPU 101 is connected to the setting operation unit 104. The CPU 101 can input a setting signal from the setting operation unit 104.

The setting key K2 is an example of a management key used to manage the slot machine 10. A keyhole 104b is formed in a specific location inside the machine, which can be accessed when the opening and closing door 12 is open. The keyhole 104b is an example of a special insertion port. The slot machine 10 allows control of the setting values through a setting operation that includes inserting the setting key K2 into the keyhole 104b.

The sub-substrate 200 will now be described.
As shown in Fig. 8, the sub-board 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 executes various control operations in a predetermined procedure based on various control signals and a sub-control program input from the main board 100. The ROM 202 stores the sub-control program, various tables, various determination values, and the like. The ROM 202 stores a display performance pattern capable of identifying the mode of display performance in the display performance device 17, an audio performance pattern capable of identifying the mode of audio performance in the audio performance device 16, and a light-emitting performance pattern capable of identifying the mode of light-emitting performance in the light-emitting performance device 15.

RAM 203 stores various information (flags, timers, counters, etc.) generated in response to processing by CPU 201. Random numbers used in various lottery processes are generated in sub-board 200. The random numbers may be hardware random numbers generated by a random number generation circuit, or software random numbers generated by CPU 201. The random numbers may include special random numbers for determining winning information.

The CPU 201 is connected to the light-emitting device 15, the sound device 16, and the display device 17. The CPU 201 executes various effects by controlling the light-emitting device 15, the sound device 16, and the display device 17 based on various commands input from the main board 100 (CPU 101). The various effects include an announcement effect (so-called navigation effect) of the push order required to win a specific role (symbol combination), and an indication effect of a role that is allowed to win. The CPU 201 can also perform effects corresponding to the internal state of the slot machine 10, such as a bonus game, an RT state, and an ART state.

The setting process executed by the main board 100 (CPU 101) will be described.
When the CPU 101 is started up with power-on, it determines whether or not a setting signal has been input. If a setting signal has not been input, the CPU 101 ends the setting process. On the other hand, if a setting signal has been input, the CPU 101 transitions to a setting change state in which a setting value change operation is accepted. The setting value is stored in the RAM 103. The RAM 103 is configured so that even if the power supply to the slot machine 10 is cut off, the stored contents including the setting value can be retained by power supplied from a backup power source (not shown). In the setting change state, the CPU 101 controls a predetermined display unit (not shown) to display the current setting value. The predetermined display unit may be a dedicated display unit for displaying the setting value, or may be used in combination with a display unit for displaying the number of credits, an error code, or the number of payouts.

The CPU 101 provisionally changes the setting value each time it receives a change signal output when a change operation unit (not shown) is operated. The change operation unit may be a dedicated operation unit for changing the setting value, or may be used in combination with another operation unit such as a reset button. When the operation signal is input from the start operation unit 25, the CPU 101 confirms the changed setting value as the new setting value. When the setting operation unit 104 is operated to the OFF position and the setting signal is no longer input, the CPU 101 ends the setting process. The CPU 101 may be configured to reset the contents stored in the RAM 103 when transitioning to a setting change state or when termination of the setting change state. The CPU 101 may be configured to be able to transition to a setting confirmation state for confirming the setting value.

The following describes the game progress process executed by the main board 100 (CPU 101). The game progress process is executed after the setting process is completed.
10, the CPU 101 performs a game start setting process (S101). In the game start setting process, the CPU 101 stores information such as flags related to the game state of the slot machine 10 and effects using the reel unit 20, and initializes a predetermined storage area in the RAM 103.

The CPU 101 starts accepting medal bets (S102). Next, the CPU 101 checks the game status of the slot machine 10 (S103). The CPU 101 determines whether or not it is time for a replay (S104). If it is not time for a replay (S104: NO), the CPU 101 performs medal management processing to set the number of bets for the current variable game based on the input of medal detection signals from each insertion sensor SE5, SE6, etc. (S105).

When the replay is in progress (S104: YES) or when step S105 is completed, the CPU 101 performs an error display setting process to notify an error state (abnormal state) occurring in the slot machine 10 (S106). In the error display setting process, the CPU 101 refers to the RAM 103 and determines whether or not error information has been set. If error information has been set, the CPU 101 controls a specific notification device to execute a notification corresponding to the set error information. The notification device may be a display unit that displays an error number, or any of the presentation devices 15 to 17 controlled via the sub-board 200.

Next, the CPU 101 determines whether the bet amount for the current variable game matches the maximum bet amount (S107). If the CPU 101 is in a replay operation (S104: YES), it resets the bet amount for the previous variable game as the bet amount for the current variable game.

If the number of bets on the current variable game does not match the maximum number of bets (S107: NO), the CPU 101 proceeds to processing in step S103. On the other hand, if the number of bets on the current variable game matches the maximum number of bets (S107: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not a start operation using the start operation unit 25 has been accepted (S108). In step S108, the CPU 101 makes a positive judgment if an operation signal has been input from the start operation unit 25. The CPU 101 makes a negative judgment if an operation signal has not been input from the start operation unit 25. If a start operation has not been accepted (S108: NO), the CPU 101 proceeds to processing in step S103.

When a start operation is received (S108: YES), the CPU 101 judges whether the number of inserted medals is normal (S109). When the number of inserted medals is not normal (S109: NO), the CPU 101 performs processing to display an unrecoverable error (S110). The CPU 101 then waits until the power is turned off.

If the number of medals inserted is normal (S109: YES), the CPU 101 determines winning information (S111). In step S111, the CPU 101 determines one piece of winning information by a lottery using the value of the special random number. The internal lottery realized by step S111 is an example of a "role lottery" or a "winning lottery". The CPU 101 outputs a start command to the sub-board 200. If no winning information is determined (loss information is determined), it is a losing result in the special lottery. If any winning information is determined, it is a winning result in the special lottery. The CPU 101 outputs a start command to the sub-board 200. As an example, the start command may indicate the start of a variable game. As an example, the start command may indicate the result of the special lottery. As an example, the start command may indicate the determined winning information, or the role (symbol combination) set in the winning information.

Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the waiting time has elapsed (S112). As an example, the waiting time specifies the minimum time from the start of the previous variable game to the start of the current variable game. If the waiting time has not elapsed (S112: NO), the CPU 101 waits until the waiting time has elapsed. If the waiting time has elapsed (S112: YES), the CPU 101 starts the rotation of each of the reels 20a to 20c (S113). In other words, the variable game starts.

The CPU 101 determines whether a stop operation using any of the stop operation units 26a to 26c has been received (S114). As an example, the CPU 101 makes a positive determination if an operation signal has been input from any of the stop operation units 26a to 26c. The CPU 101 makes a negative determination if an operation signal has not been input from any of the stop operation units 26a to 26c.

When a stop operation is received (S114: YES), the CPU 101 determines the symbols to be stopped and displayed on the pay line NL based on the determined winning information and the operation timing of the stop operation unit 26, and executes control (hereinafter referred to as symbol combination control) to stop and display the determined symbols on the pay line NL (S115).

If a stop operation has not been received (S114: NO) and step S115 has ended, the CPU 101 determines whether or not all of the reels 20a to 20c have been stopped (S116). If one or more of the reels 20a to 20c have not been stopped (S116: NO), the CPU 101 proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, if all of the reels 20a to 20c have been stopped (S116: YES), the CPU 101 performs an error display setting process (S117), similar to step S106.

The CPU 101 performs a display pattern determination to determine whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the pay line NL of each reel 20a to 20c corresponds to a symbol combination (role) that determines a prize, and if so, the type of symbol combination (S118). That is, in step S118, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a prize has been awarded for the symbol combination specified in the predetermined winning information.

The CPU 101 determines whether or not to award (pay out) game medals YM to the player (S119). In step S119, the CPU 101 makes a positive determination if a payout role has been won. The CPU 101 makes a negative determination if a payout role has not been won. If the game medals YM are to be paid out (S119: YES), the CPU 101 executes a medal payout process (S120). In step S120, the CPU 101 drives the hopper unit 29 to pay out game medals YM.

If the CPU 101 does not pay out medals (S119: NO) or if step S120 has ended, it performs a termination process to end one round of the variable game (S121). In the termination process, the CPU 101 outputs to the sub-board 200 a control to transition the internal state according to the winning combination (symbol combination) and a winning instruction command indicating the winning combination. The winning instruction command causes the sub-board 200 to grasp the winning combination (symbol combination) indicated in the start command. The CPU 101 then ends the game progress process related to the execution of one round of the variable game and transitions again to the processing of step S101.

The following describes the selector check process executed by the main board 100 (CPU 101). The CPU 101 executes the selector check process at each predetermined control cycle.
When the third insertion sensor SE7 turns ON, the CPU 101 measures the elapsed time since the third insertion sensor SE7 turned ON. When a specified time has passed since the third insertion sensor SE7 turned ON without turning OFF, the CPU 101 sets error information (as an example, a first medal jam flag) capable of identifying the occurrence of a first medal jam error in the RAM 103. In other words, the CPU 101 sets a first medal jam error. When the third insertion sensor SE7 turns OFF while measuring the elapsed time, the CPU 101 clears the elapsed time being measured.

When the second insertion sensor SE6 turns ON, the CPU 101 measures the elapsed time since the second insertion sensor SE6 turned ON. When a specified time has passed since the second insertion sensor SE6 turned ON without turning OFF, the CPU 101 sets error information (as an example, a second medal jam flag) capable of identifying the occurrence of a second medal jam error in the RAM 103. In other words, the CPU 101 sets a second medal jam error. If the second insertion sensor SE6 turns OFF while measuring the elapsed time, the CPU 101 clears the elapsed time being measured. These errors can be notified by the error display setting process described above.

The medal management process executed by the main board 100 (CPU 101) will be described.
When the CPU 101 receives an operation signal from the unit bet number operation unit 23a, it increases the number of bets by 1 and decreases the credits by 1. When the CPU 101 receives an operation signal from the maximum bet number operation unit 23b, it increases the number of bets to the maximum bet number and decreases the credits by the amount of the increase in the number of bets.

The CPU 101 determines whether or not a game medal YM has been inserted into the insertion port 22a. As an example, the CPU 101 determines that a game medal YM has been inserted when the insertion sensor SE5 is ON. When a game medal YM has been inserted, the CPU 101 determines whether the transition pattern of the detection state by each insertion sensor SE5, SE6 is a normal pattern or an abnormal pattern.

As an example, the normal pattern is set as follows: [insertion sensor SE5, SE6 = OFF] → [first insertion sensor SE5 = ON, second insertion sensor SE6 = OFF] → [insertion sensor SE5, SE6 = ON] → [first insertion sensor SE5 = OFF, second insertion sensor SE6 = ON] → [insertion sensor SE5, SE6 = OFF]. Transition patterns other than the normal pattern are abnormal patterns. The normal pattern corresponds to a normal passing mode in which the game medal YM passes from upstream to downstream of the third part 33c. The abnormal pattern corresponds to an abnormal passing mode, such as passing from downstream to upstream. When the detection mode by the insertion sensors SE5, SE6 is an abnormal pattern, the CPU 101 sets error information (for example, an illegal passing flag) capable of identifying the occurrence of an illegal passing error in the RAM 103. In other words, the CPU 101 sets an illegal passing error.

On the other hand, when the detection mode of the input sensors SE5 and SE6 is a normal pattern, the CPU 101 determines whether the transition pattern of the detection mode of each input sensor SE5 and SE6 is a valid pattern or an invalid pattern. As an example, the invalid pattern is set as [input sensor SE5, SE6 = OFF] -> [first input sensor SE5 = ON, second input sensor SE6 = OFF] -> [input sensor SE5, SE6 = OFF]. Any transition pattern other than the invalid pattern is a valid pattern.

When the detection mode by the insertion sensors SE5 and SE6 is an invalid pattern, the CPU 101 ends the medal management process. In other words, the CPU 101 does not increase the number of bets or the credits. On the other hand, when the detection mode by the insertion sensors SE5 and SE6 is a valid pattern, the CPU 101 increases the number of bets by 1 if the number of bets has not reached the maximum number of bets. When the number of bets has reached the maximum number of bets, the CPU 101 increases the credits by 1. After that, the CPU 101 ends the medal management process.

The relationship between various management keys and the size of each part will be explained below.
Between the length A of the keyhole 13a in the locking device 13 along the short side direction and the length P of the insertion port 22a along the thickness direction of the game medal YM, a relational expression of P<A is established. Between the length B of the keyhole 13a along the long side direction and the length P of the insertion port 22a along the thickness direction of the game medal YM, a relational expression of P<B is established. Between the length R of the keyhole 13a along the diagonal direction and the length P of the insertion port 22a along the thickness direction of the game medal YM, a relational expression of P<R is established. The keyhole 13a has substantially the same shape and size as the door key K1. Therefore, even if the door key K1 is accidentally dropped when operating the locking device 13 using the door key K1, the door key K1 is prevented from entering the insertion port 22a.

The relationship P<M holds between the length P of the slot 22a along the thickness direction of the game medal YM and the length M of the keyhole 104b in the setting operation unit 104 along the longitudinal direction. The keyhole 104b has substantially the same shape and size as the setting key K2. This prevents the setting key K2 from accidentally entering the slot 22a when the opening and closing door 12 is opened to perform work related to changing the settings.

Between the length P of the insertion slot 22a and the length L of the keyhole 104b along the short side, the relational expression L<P is established. Therefore, depending on the orientation of the setting key K2 when it is dropped, it is possible that the setting key K2 will enter the insertion slot 22a. In such a case, the setting key K2 may be ejected by the selector 30 in the slot machine 10. When the block member 35 is in the closed position in the selector 30, the length d1 from the bottom surface 31c of the recess 31b to the tip 35b of the block member 35 (upper locking portion 35a) is shorter than the specified size of the game medal YM. And between the length L of the keyhole 104b along the short side and the specified length X of the game medal YM, the relational expression L<X is established. Between the length M of the keyhole 104b along the long side and the specified length X, the relational expression M<X is established.

Furthermore, in the selector 30, the length d3 between the tip 34b of the lower engaging portion 34a and the tip 35b of the upper engaging portion 35a is longer than the length K22 along the longitudinal direction of the setting key K2 and the length K23 along the width direction. The length of the discharge port 34 along the extension direction of the third portion 33c is longer than the lengths K22 and K23 of the setting key K2. In other words, regardless of whether the block member 35 is in the open or closed state, even if the setting key K2 flows into the third portion 33c, the setting key K2 falls from the discharge port 34 and cannot pass through the third portion 33c.

The relationship Y<B holds between the length B of the keyhole 13a along the longitudinal direction and the length Y of the sound emission hole 16h along the specific direction. The relationship Y<A holds between the length A of the keyhole 13a along the lateral direction and the length Y of the sound emission hole 16h. The relationship Y<R holds between the length R of the keyhole 13a along the diagonal direction and the length Y of the sound emission hole 16h along the specific direction. Therefore, even if the door key K1 is accidentally dropped when using the door key K1 to operate the locking device 13, the door key K1 is prevented from entering the sound production device 16.

The relationship Y<M holds between the length M of the keyhole 104b along the longitudinal direction and the length Y of the sound emission hole 16h along the specific direction. The relationship Y<L should hold between the length L of the keyhole 104b along the lateral direction and the length Y of the sound emission hole 16h. The relationship Y<T holds between the length Y of the sound emission hole 16h along the specific direction and the length T of the keyhole 104b along the diagonal direction. Therefore, even if the setting key K2 is accidentally dropped when using the setting key K2 to operate the setting operation unit 104, the setting key K2 is prevented from entering the inside of the sound production device 16.

When the operated part 21a is in the initial position, the relationship N<A holds between the length A along the short side of the keyhole 13a and the length N from the operated part 21a to the peripheral member. Even when the operated part 21a is displaced to the operating position by operation, the relationship N<A holds between the length A of the keyhole 13a and the length N from the operated part 21a to the peripheral member. Even when the operated part 21a is operated (vibrated as an example), the relationship N<A holds between the length A of the keyhole 13a and the length N from the operated part 21a to the peripheral member. Therefore, even if the door key K1 is accidentally dropped when using the door key K1 to operate the locking device 13, the door key K1 is prevented from getting into the gap around the operated part 21a.

When the operated portion 21a is in the initial position, the relationship N<L holds between the length L of the keyhole 104b along the short side direction and the length N from the operated portion 21a to the peripheral member. Even when the operated portion 21a is displaced to the operating position by operation, the relationship N<L holds between the length L of the keyhole 104b and the length N from the operated portion 21a to the peripheral member. Even when the operated portion 21a is operated (vibrated as an example), the relationship N<L holds between the length L of the keyhole 104b and the length N from the operated portion 21a to the peripheral member. Therefore, even if the setting key K2 is accidentally dropped when using the setting key K2 to operate the setting operation portion 104, the setting key K2 is prevented from getting into the gap around the operated portion 21a.

Therefore, according to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the locking device 13, when viewed from the insertion direction of the door key K1 into the keyhole 13a, the shape and size of the keyhole 13a correspond to the shape and size of the door key K1. In other words, the length A of the keyhole 13a along the short side direction corresponds to the length of the door key K1 in the thickness direction. In the slot machine 10, the relationship P<A holds between the length A of the keyhole 13a and the length P of the insertion port 22a along the thickness direction of the game medal YM. Therefore, when the door key K1 falls, the door key K1 is prevented from entering the inside of the machine through the insertion port 22a. This makes it possible to prevent interference with the management key.

(2) In the setting operation unit 104, when viewed from the direction in which the setting key K2 is inserted into the keyhole 104b, the shape and size of the keyhole 104b correspond to the shape and size of the setting key K2. The length M of the keyhole 104b along the longitudinal direction corresponds to the width of the setting key K2. In the slot machine 10, the relationship P<M holds between the length P of the insertion opening 22a and the length M of the keyhole 104b. Therefore, when the setting key K2 falls, the setting key is prevented from entering the inside of the machine through the insertion opening 22a.

(3) The relationship L<P holds between the length P of the insertion slot 22a and the length L of the keyhole 104b along the short side. In other words, the setting key K2 is more compact in the thickness direction than the door key K1. In the slot machine 10, when the setting key K2 falls, it can enter the inside of the machine through the insertion slot 22a. However, the slot machine 10 is provided with a selector 30 that can eject the inserted item from the insertion slot 22a to the outside of the machine if the inserted item is not a game medal YM of the specified size. This prevents the setting key K2 that has entered through the insertion slot 22a from affecting various mechanisms inside the machine.

(4) The length B of the keyhole 13a along the longitudinal direction corresponds to the widthwise length of the door key K1. In the slot machine 10, the relationship P<B holds between the length B of the keyhole 13a and the length P of the insertion port 22a along the thickness direction of the game medal YM. Therefore, when the door key K1 falls, the door key K1 is prevented from entering the inside of the machine through the insertion port 22a. This makes it possible to prevent interference with the management key.

(5) The relationship Y<B holds between the length B of the keyhole 13a along the longitudinal direction and the length Y of the sound emission hole 16h in the sound production device 16 along a specific direction. Furthermore, the relationship Y<A holds between the length A of the keyhole 13a along the lateral direction and the length Y of the sound emission hole 16h. Therefore, the door key K1 is prevented from entering through the sound emission hole 16h.

(6) The diagonal length R of the keyhole 13a corresponds to the diagonal length of the door key K1. In the slot machine 10, the relationship P<R holds between the length R of the keyhole 13a and the length P of the insertion slot 22a along the thickness direction of the game medal YM. Therefore, when the door key falls, it is prevented from entering the inside of the machine through the insertion slot. This makes it possible to prevent interference with the management key.

(7) The relationship Y<R holds between the length R of the keyhole 13a and the length Y of the sound emission hole 16h along a specific direction. Therefore, the door key K1 is prevented from entering through the sound emission hole 16h.

(8) The relationship Y<T holds between the diagonal length T of the keyhole 104b and the length Y of the sound emission hole 16h. Therefore, the setting key K2 is prevented from entering through the sound emission hole 16h.

(9) The length A along the short side of the keyhole 13a corresponds to the length of the door key K1 in the thickness direction. In the slot machine 10, when the operated part 21a of the performance operation unit 21 is in the "initial position", the relationship N<A holds between the length A of the keyhole 13a and the length N from the operated part 21a to the surrounding members (i.e., the width of the gap). Therefore, when the door key K1 falls, it is prevented from entering the inside of the machine through the gap around the operated part 21a. This makes it possible to prevent interference with the management key.

(10) In the slot machine 10, even when the operated part 21a is operated by the actuator 21b, the relationship N<A holds between the length A of the keyhole 13a and the length N from the operated part 21a to the surrounding members. Therefore, when the door key K1 falls, the door key K1 is prevented from entering the inside of the machine through the gap around the operated part 21a.

(11) In the slot machine 10, even when the operated portion 21a is displaced to the operating position by operation, the relationship N<A holds between the length A of the keyhole 13a and the length N from the operated portion 21a to the surrounding members. Therefore, when the door key K1 falls, the door key K1 is prevented from entering the inside of the machine through the gap around the operated portion 21a.

(12) The length A along the short side of the keyhole 13a corresponds to the length of the door key K1 in the thickness direction. In the slot machine 10, when the operated portion 21a of the performance operation unit 21 is in the "operation position", the relationship N<A holds between the length A of the keyhole 13a and the length N from the operated portion 21a to the surrounding components (i.e., the width of the gap). Therefore, when the door key K1 falls, it is prevented from entering the inside of the machine through the gap around the operated portion 21a. This makes it possible to prevent interference with the management key.

(13) In the slot machine 10, the predetermined gap opens upward. Therefore, when the door key K1 falls, it becomes easy for the door key K1 to enter the inside of the machine through the gap around the operated portion 21a. However, as described above, since the relational expression N<A holds, the door key K1 is prevented from entering the inside of the machine.

(14) In the slot machine 10, the door key K1 is prevented from entering through the sound emission hole 16h, which is an effect hole, and interfering with the internal speaker 16s.
(15) The protective cover 16P in which the sound emission holes 16h are formed is decorated. Therefore, the decorative part can be used as a common part for the protective panel.

The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows. The above-described embodiment and the following modified examples can be combined together as long as they are not technically inconsistent.

- If the relationship P<B holds between the length B of the keyhole 13a and the length P of the insertion port 22a, the relationship P<A does not have to hold between the length A of the keyhole 13a and the length P of the insertion port 22a.

- If the relationship P<M holds between the length P of the insertion port 22a and the length M of the keyhole 104b, the relationship P<L may hold between the length P of the insertion port 22a and the length L of the keyhole 104b.

- As shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the relationship n<A holds between the length A along the short side of the keyhole 13a and the length n from the operated part of the maximum bet number operating unit 23b to the surrounding parts. Even when the operated part is displaced to the operating position by operation, it is preferable that the relationship n<A holds between the length A of the keyhole 13a and the length n from the operated part to the surrounding parts. The unit bet number operating unit 23a can be configured in a similar manner.

- The operation surface 12c of the table portion 12b may be inclined so that it descends the closer it is to the player. Also, the operated portion 21a of the performance operation portion 21 may be inclined so that it descends the closer it is to the player. According to this modified example, when the management key falls, it is difficult for the management key to get caught in the gap between the operated portion 21a and the surrounding components.

The main body cabinet 11 may have a heat dissipation hole extending vertically or horizontally on the rear wall. It is preferable that the relationship z<A holds between the length A in the longitudinal direction of the keyhole 13a of the locking device 13 and the length z in the lateral direction of the heat dissipation hole.

- The performance means having a performance opening may be an air blowing performance device in addition to or instead of the audio performance device 16. As an example, the air blowing performance device may have an internal air blower, be activated when the performance conditions are met, and blow air from the performance opening. The performance means having a performance opening may be a special display performance device in addition to or instead of the audio performance device 16. As an example, this display performance device may have a display device in a part that can be seen from the performance opening, be activated when the performance conditions are met, and display a specified image so that it can be seen from the performance opening.

- The door 12 is not limited to being a single unit, but may be divided into multiple parts arranged vertically, or may be divided into multiple parts overlapping in the front-to-back direction. In this case, the slot machine 10 may be provided with a common locking device for the multiple doors, or each door may be provided with its own dedicated locking device.

- The operation means (as an example, the performance operation unit 21) may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the center line CL and on the right end ER side. The operation means may be provided at a position that overlaps with the center line CL and on the left end EL side. The operation means may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the center line CL and on the left end EL side. The number of operation means is not limited to one, and there may be multiple operation means. In this case, there may be one operation means on each side of the center line CL.

- The operated part of the operation means (for example, the performance operation unit 21) may be located at a position that does not overlap with the center line CL and is provided on the right end ER side. The operated part of the operation means may be located at a position that overlaps with the center line CL and is provided on the left end EL side. The operated part of the operation means may be located at a position that does not overlap with the center line CL and is provided on the left end EL side. The number of operated parts of the operation means is not limited to one, and there may be multiple. In this case, there may be one operated part of the operation means on each side of the center line CL. The peripheral members may be members that constitute part of the operation means in addition to or instead of being separate members from the members that constitute the operation means.

- The functions of the sub-substrate 200 may be divided among multiple substrates. For example, a display substrate that specializes in controlling the display performance device 17, an audio substrate that specializes in controlling the audio performance device 16, and a lamp substrate that specializes in controlling the light-emitting performance device 15 may be provided, and a master substrate that provides overall control over these substrate groups may also be provided.

- It may be embodied in a gaming machine that uses gaming media with a shape different from the gaming medal YM. For example, it may be embodied in a slot machine (so-called Parrot) that uses gaming balls (pachinko balls) as gaming media, or in a pachinko gaming machine. When embodied in a pachinko gaming machine, a launch handle for operating the launch of the gaming balls can be understood as an example of an operating means. The launch handle has a part that is held by a player, etc., as an example of an operated part. The launch handle is preferably disposed on the right end ER side of the center line CL. The launch handle may have multiple operated parts, at least one of which is preferably disposed on the right end ER side of the center line CL. In the pachinko gaming machine, the gaming balls may be launched by operating the operated part of the operating means.

Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be described below.
(Note 1) A gaming machine comprising: an opening/closing door pivotally supported at a first end; and a locking device at a second end opposite the first end; the opening/closing door is formed with an insertion port through which gaming medals can be inserted; the locking device is formed with a specific insertion port through which a door key can be inserted; the opening/closing door can be opened by an unlocking operation that includes inserting the door key into the specific insertion port; when viewed from the insertion direction of the door key into the specific insertion port, the specific insertion port is rectangular or approximately rectangular; and a relationship B of the specific insertion port along the longitudinal direction and a length P of the insertion port along the thickness direction of the gaming medal satisfies the equation P<B.

(Appendix 2) A gaming machine as described in Appendix 1, in which the relationship P<A holds between the length A along the short direction of the specific insertion port and the length P of the insertion port.
(Appendix 3) A gaming machine as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, which, when viewed from the front, is equipped with a presentation means on at least one of the upper and lower sides of the locking device, and which has one or more presentation ports, and a relationship equation Y<B holds between the length B of the specific insertion port and a length Y of a specific one of the presentation ports along a specific direction, and a relationship equation Y<A holds between the length A of the specific insertion port along the short side direction and the length Y of the specific presentation port.

10...Slot machine 12...Opening and closing door 12b...Table section 12c...Operation surface 13...Locking device 13a...Keyhole 16...Audio effect device 16h...Sound emission hole 16s...Speaker 16P...Protective cover 21...Performance operation section 21a...Operated section 21b...Actuator 22a...Insert port 104b...Keyhole EL...Left end ER...Right end YM...Game medal A, B, L, M, N, P, R, T, X, Y...Length

The gaming machine that solves the above problem comprises an opening/closing door pivotally supported at a first end and a locking device at a second end opposite to the first end, the opening/closing door having an insertion port through which gaming medals can be inserted, and the locking device having a specific insertion port through which a door key can be inserted, the opening/closing door can be opened by an unlocking operation including inserting the door key into the specific insertion port, the specific insertion port is rectangular or approximately rectangular when viewed from the insertion direction of the door key into the specific insertion port, a relationship of P<B holds between a length B of the specific insertion port along the longitudinal direction and a length P of the insertion port along the thickness direction of the gaming medal, a special insertion port is formed at a predetermined portion that is accessible when the opening/closing door is opened, and a relationship of L<P<A holds between a length L of the special insertion port along the lateral direction, a length P of the insertion port, and a length A of the specific insertion port along the lateral direction, and the ratio of the length along the lateral direction to the length along the longitudinal direction is greater for the special insertion port than for the specific insertion port .

Claims (3)

An opening and closing door whose first end side is pivotally supported;
a locking device at a second end opposite the first end,
The opening and closing door is formed with an insertion port through which game medals can be inserted,
The locking device is formed with a specific insertion port into which a door key can be inserted, and the opening and closing door can be opened by an unlocking operation including inserting the door key into the specific insertion port,
When viewed from the insertion direction of the door key into the specific insertion port, the specific insertion port is rectangular or approximately rectangular,
A gaming machine characterized in that a relationship P<B holds between a length B of the specific insertion port along the longitudinal direction and a length P of the insertion port along the thickness direction of the gaming medal. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the relationship P<A holds between the length A of the specific insertion port along the short side direction and the length P of the insertion port. When viewed from the front, a presentation means is provided on at least one of the upper side and the lower side of the locking device,
The performance means includes one or more performance ports,
A relational expression Y<B is established between the length B of the specific insertion port and the length Y of the specific performance port along the specific direction of the performance port,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a relationship Y<A holds between a length A along the short side of the specific insertion port and the length Y of the specific performance port.

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