JP7763464B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines installed in amusement parks and other facilities.

Conventionally, there have been gaming machines in which a case for housing a control board and other components is provided inside the cabinet (for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5575426

However, there was room for improvement in conventional gaming machines.

In order to solve the above problem, one form of the present invention is a gaming machine configured to include a cabinet side case portion fixed to the cabinet of a gaming machine by a fixing member, an intermediate case portion that is non-separably attached to the cabinet side case portion in a manner that covers the fixing member so that the fixing member cannot be accessed from the outside, and a base case portion that is rotatable relative to the intermediate case portion, wherein the intermediate case portion includes a first case portion connected to the cabinet side case portion by a first connection portion, a second case portion connected to the cabinet side case portion by a second connection portion, and a cutting portion that connects the first case portion and the second case portion together and separates the first case portion and the second case portion when cut, wherein the first case portion and the second case portion are fixed to the cabinet side case portion by the first connection portion and the second connection portion when the cutting portion is not cut, and are separated when the cutting portion is cut, thereby becoming removable from the cabinet side case portion or movable relative to the cabinet side case portion .

1 is a diagram showing the entire gaming machine 1 of an embodiment. 10 is a view of the vicinity of the board case 60 according to the embodiment as seen from the front side Y1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a board case 60 according to the embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of the configuration in the vicinity of the substrate case 60 of the embodiment, in which the configuration is separated into the housing-side case 20, the intermediate case 40, and the substrate case 60. FIG. 10A and 10B are perspective views showing the vicinity of a substrate case part 60 in a rotated state and a slid state of the substrate case part 60 according to the embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the board case part 60 of the embodiment is rotated, as viewed from the left side X1. FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a configuration in the vicinity of a locking portion 62 according to an embodiment. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the positional relationship between a rotation shaft 63 and a guard portion 23 of a housing-side case portion 20 according to an embodiment, and an enlarged perspective view showing the positional relationship between a rotation shaft 63 and a guide hole 42 of an intermediate case portion 40. FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the configuration in the vicinity of a rotation shaft 63 according to the embodiment. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the substrate case 60 of the embodiment rotates while being restricted by a restricting portion 61b. 10 is a view of the intermediate case portion 40 of the embodiment as seen from the front side Y1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an intermediate case portion 40 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an intermediate case portion 40 according to the embodiment. 10 is a view showing the side wall case portion 47 on the right side X2 of the embodiment alone. FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a lower hook connection portion 70 according to an embodiment. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lower separated portion 40D of the embodiment is rotated relative to a housing-side case portion 20. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the upper divided portion 40U and the lower divided portion 40D of the embodiment are rotated relative to the housing-side case portion 20, as viewed from the right side X2. FIG. 10 is a perspective view (viewed from the lower left side) of the vicinity of an upper rotary connector 75 of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view (viewed from the upper right) illustrating a manner in which an intermediate case portion 40 and a support member 77 are attached to a housing-side case portion 20 of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view showing the vicinity of a support member attachment portion 76 of a housing-side case portion 20 of the embodiment. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a support member 77 according to an embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a claw cover member 78 according to an embodiment. 10 is a view showing the vicinity of an upper rotary connector 75 of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view showing the vicinity of an upper rotary connector 75 of the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a board case 60 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a board case 60 according to the embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a configuration in the vicinity of a mounting portion of a rotary shaft 63 according to an embodiment. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the mounting portion of the rotation shaft 63 with the substrate case 60 of the embodiment in a rotated state. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing identification information printed sections 94 and 95 of the board case section 60 (front case section 81 and rear case section 82) of the embodiment.

(Embodiment)
A preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the entire gaming machine 1 of the embodiment.
FIG. 1A is a view of the gaming machine 1 as seen from the front side Y1.
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the front door 2a in an open state.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is a slot machine that pays out medals as gaming media by spinning a plurality of reels 8L, 8C, and 8R.

The gaming machine 1 has a cabinet 2 with a front door 2a that can be opened and closed.
The gaming machine 1 is ready to start a game when, for example, a predetermined number of medals (e.g., three medals) are inserted into the medal insertion slot 3. Furthermore, by operating the bet button 4, medals in data format can be inserted from the internally stored credit medals.

When the game is ready to start, the player operates the start lever 5, which causes the drum unit 6 to start spinning the reels 8L, 8C, and 8R. When the player presses the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, the spinning reels 8L, 8C, and 8R stop. Additionally, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 10 according to the combination of symbols that have stopped, and are provided to the player.

Play on the gaming machine 1 is controlled by a main control unit and a sub-control unit. The main control unit and sub-control unit each include a CPU mounted on the main control board 11 and sub-control board 12. The main control unit performs internal lottery processing to determine winning combinations such as minor winning combinations and bonuses through lottery, and processes the payout of medals according to symbol combinations. The sub-control unit controls effect output means such as the speaker 13, lamp 14, and display unit 15 based on control commands sent from the main control unit, and produces effects synchronized with play.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the main control board 11 is housed in a board case portion 60 (rotating case portion).
The board case part 60 is fixed to the rear plate 2c of the housing 2 in the range of the upper side Z2.

[Configuration in the vicinity of the substrate case portion 60]
The configuration in the vicinity of the board case 60 will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In the embodiments and drawings, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is used as appropriate to facilitate explanation and understanding. This coordinate system corresponds to the left-right direction X (left side X1, right side X2), the front-rear direction Y (front side Y1, rear side Y2), and the vertical direction Z (bottom side Z1, top side Z2) when the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front (see FIG. 1A, etc.). The explanation of the direction of the board case 60 will be given assuming that it is placed in its fixed position (as shown in FIG. 3).
In the drawings for explaining the configuration in the vicinity of the board case portion 60, the illustration of the housing 2 and the like is omitted as appropriate.
The configuration in the vicinity of the board case 60 is substantially symmetrical. In the following description, the configuration of the right side X2 portion will be mainly described, and the description of the left side X1 portion will be omitted as appropriate.

Furthermore, in the embodiments, "non-separable" refers to a configuration in which components cannot be disassembled, separated, etc. from one another without destroying the components. In other words, when "non-separably" connected components are to be disassembled, separated, etc. from one another, the components must be destroyed. For example, if non-separably connected components are separated for the purpose of fraud or tampering, traces will remain. This can prevent tampering, etc.
Furthermore, contacting a component or the like with bare hands or a tool T such as a screwdriver (see FIG. 9, etc.) is also referred to as "access."

[Configuration for holding, rotating, and sliding the substrate case portion 60]
The structure for holding, rotating, and sliding the substrate case 60 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a view of the vicinity of the board case 60 according to the embodiment as viewed from the front side Y1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the board case 60 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the configuration in the vicinity of the board case 60 according to the embodiment, in which the housing-side case 20, the intermediate case 40, and the board case 60 are separated.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the substrate case 60 in a rotated state and a slid state of the substrate case 60 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a view of the substrate case 60 of the embodiment in a rotated state, as viewed from the left side X1.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the locking portion 62 and its vicinity according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the vicinity of the locking portion 62. FIG.
FIG. 7B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the locking portion 62 in the locked state.
FIG. 7C is a vertical cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the locking portion 62 in the unlocked state.
8A and 8B are enlarged perspective views showing the positional relationship between the rotation shaft 63 and the guard portion 23 of the housing-side case portion 20 and the positional relationship between the rotation shaft 63 and the guide hole 42 of the intermediate case portion 40 in the embodiment.
FIG. 8A shows only the housing-side case portion 20, and does not show the board case portion 60 (excluding the rotating shaft 63) and the intermediate case portion 40.
FIG. 8B shows only the rotating shaft 63, the housing-side case portion 20, and the intermediate case portion 40, and does not show the board case portion 60 (excluding the rotating shaft 63).
FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the configuration in the vicinity of the rotation shaft 63 of the embodiment.
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along line 9A-9A in FIGS. 2 and 8A) of the substrate case 60 in a fixed position.
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along line 9B-9B in FIGS. 2 and 8B) passing through the notch 40a of the intermediate case portion 40 (see FIG. 9B).

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the vicinity of the board case 60 includes three assemblies: the housing-side case 20, the intermediate case 40, and the board case 60.
When the gaming machine 1 is shipped, the cabinet-side case 20 is fixed with screws to the back panel 2c of the cabinet 2. The cabinet-side case 20 and the intermediate case 40 are integrally joined in an inseparable manner. This inseparably joined state of the cabinet-side case 20 and the intermediate case 40 is also referred to as a cabinet-side assembly 19 (fixed cabinet portion).
From the time the gaming machine 1 is shipped to the store (amusement facility) until it is collected after use at the store has ended, if the gaming machine 1 is used properly (if it is used without any illegal modifications, etc.), the cabinet side assembly 19 will not be separated into the cabinet side case portion 20 and the intermediate case portion 40.

3 and other figures, the board case 60 is held so as not to move relative to the cabinet assembly 19 during normal use of the gaming machine 1 (such as when the gaming machine 1 is in operation during store hours). This arrangement during normal use is also referred to as the fixed position. When the board case 60 is in the fixed position, the overall external shape of the cabinet case 20, the intermediate case 40, and the board case 60 is a rectangular parallelepiped with a small height (length in the front-to-rear direction Y).
On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5 and other figures, during maintenance in a store, the board case unit 60 can rotate in the front-to-back direction Y relative to the housing-side assembly 19 around a rotation axis 63 that is parallel to the left-to-right direction X. This rotated state is also referred to as a rotated state. Furthermore, in the rotated state, the board case unit 60 can slide in the vertical direction Z relative to the housing-side assembly 19. This slidable state is also referred to as a sliding state.

(Housing-side case portion 20)
4, the housing-side case 20 is a box-shaped member having a recess that opens to the front side Y1. The main portion of the housing-side case 20 is, for example, a molded part made of transparent resin. The housing-side case 20 is fixed to the back plate 2c of the housing 2 with four screws 2d (fixing members).
The housing-side case portion 20 includes a storage recess 21 , a lock hole 22 , and a guard portion 23 .
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the accommodation recess 21 is a recessed portion that accommodates the intermediate case portion 40 and the board case portion 60 .
As shown in Figures 4, 7(B), 7(C), etc., the lock holes 22 are holes for holding the board case part 60 in a fixed position. The lock holes 22 engage with latches 62a (see Figure 7(B)) of the board case part 60. The lock holes 22 are provided in two places, one on the left and one on the upper side Z2 of the inner surface of the accommodation recess 21.

As shown in Figure 8 (A), the guard portions 23 are provided on the left and right sides of the inner surface of the storage recess 21 (only the configuration on the right side X2 is shown in the drawing). The guard portions 23 are provided within the range in which the head 63b of the rotating shaft 63 slides. As shown in Figure 9 (B), the guard portion 23 has a U-shaped cross-section that covers the flange portion of the head 63b of the rotating shaft 63 from the front side Y1.

(Intermediate case portion 40)
As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the intermediate case portion 40 is a box-shaped member that is open on the upper side Z2 and the front side Y1.
The intermediate case portion 40 includes a housing recess 41 and a guide hole 42 (guide portion).
The accommodation recess 41 is a recessed portion that accommodates the substrate case 60 arranged in a fixed position.

The guide holes 42 are provided on the left and right sides of the inner portion of the accommodating recess 41. The left and right guide holes 42 are configured substantially symmetrically in the left-right direction X. In the drawings, the configuration of the guide hole 42 on the right side X2 is shown, and the configuration of the guide hole 42 on the left side X1 is omitted as appropriate.
As shown in Figures 6, 8B, 9, etc., the guide hole 42 is a portion that guides the board case part 60 when the board case part 60 slides in the vertical direction Z. The guide hole 42 is a through-hole that penetrates the inner part of the accommodation recess 41 in the left-right direction X (see Figure 9). The shaft part 63a of the rotation shaft 63 is inserted into the guide hole 42. The guide hole 42 and the rotation shaft 63 are configured like a cam hole and a cam follower.
The guide hole 42 is provided in a range where the shaft portion 63a of the rotation shaft 63 moves when the board case portion 60 slides in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the outer shape of the guide hole 42 is elongated in the vertical direction Z (see the dashed line in FIG. 6).

(Substrate case part 60)
As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the board case 60 is a box-shaped member having a small height (length in the front-rear direction Y).
The substrate case 60 includes a case member 61 , a locking portion 62 , and a rotation shaft 63 .
The case member 61 is a molded part made of transparent resin or the like that houses the main control board 11. As will be described later, the case member 61 includes a front case portion 81 and a rear case portion 82 (see FIG. 25 and the like).

The case member 61 includes a handle 61a and a restricting portion 61b.
The handles 61a are portions that an operator (such as a store worker) holds when rotating or sliding the board case unit 60. The handles 61a are provided on the left and right sides of the case member 61, respectively.

The restricting portion 61b is the portion that abuts against the abutment portion 16 (see Figure 10) of the drum unit 6 (internal unit) when the board case portion 60 is rotated to the front side Y1. In other words, the restricting portion 61b includes the corner portions of the front and lower sides of the surface of the case member 61 (see Figure 10(A)), as well as the central and lower side Z1 portion of the front side (see Figure 10(B)).

The locking portions 62 are portions that lock the substrate case portion 60 in a fixed position to prevent it from rotating. One pair of locking portions 62 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the upper side Z2 of the substrate case portion 60. The locking portions 62 are located at positions corresponding to the handles 61 a.
In the embodiment, a state in which the board case part 60 is arranged in a fixed position and locked so as not to rotate is also referred to as a locked state. Also, a state in which this lock is released and the board case part 60 can rotate relative to the housing-side case part 20 is also referred to as an unlocked state.

As shown in FIG. 7, the locking portion 62 includes a latch 62a and a spring 62d.
The latch 62 a is held by the board case portion 60 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction Z.
The latch 62a includes a claw portion 62b and a lever portion 62c.
The claw portion 62b is a portion that protrudes toward the upper side Z2.
As shown in FIG. 7B, in the locked state, the latch 62a is positioned on the upper side Z2, and the claw portion 62b is positioned within the lock hole 22 of the housing-side case portion 20.
As shown in FIG. 7C , in the unlocked state, the latch 62 a is positioned on the lower side Z<b>1 , and the claw portion 62 b is retracted from the lock hole 22 of the housing-side case portion 20 .
The lever portion 62c is a portion that is operated by an operator to slide downwardly toward the Z1 side. The lever portion 62c protrudes from the front surface of the case member 61 toward the front side Y1 side.
The spring 62d is a tension coil spring that biases the latch 62a upward Z2.

The rotary shaft 63 is a shaft body made of metal.
4 and other figures, the rotation shafts 63 are provided on the left and right sides of the board case portion 60, respectively, and are provided so as to protrude outward in the left-right direction X from the left and right side surfaces of the board case portion 60. The rotation shafts 63 are located near the bottom end of the board case portion 60, that is, near the end of the board case portion 60 on the side where the connector of the main control board 11 is installed.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rotary shaft 63 includes a shaft portion 63a and a head portion 63b.
The shaft portion 63a is a cylindrical portion. The axial direction (direction of the central axis) of the rotation shaft 63 is parallel to the left-right direction X. The shaft portion 63a is inserted into the guide hole 42 of the intermediate case portion 40. As will be described later, one end of the shaft portion 63a (the inner end in the left-right direction X) is fixed to the board case portion 60.
The head 63b is a disk-shaped portion and is provided at the other end (the outer end in the left-right direction X) of the shaft portion 63a.

(Pivoting and sliding movements of the substrate case 60)
The state in which the board case part 60 is placed in a fixed position, the state in which the board case part 60 is rotated, and the state in which the board case part 60 is slid will be described.
(When placed in place)
3 and other figures, when the board case part 60 is placed in a fixed position, the outer surface of the board case part 60 is surrounded by the inner surface of the accommodating recess 21 or the inner surface of the accommodating recess 41. Therefore, the board case part 60 is restricted from moving in the vertical plane (ZX plane).
Since the rotation shaft 63 is located near the bottom end, the board case part 60 tries to rotate so as to fall to the front side Y1, but since the lock part 62 is in the locked state, it is restricted from rotating in this manner.
7B, the locking portion 62 is engaged with the claw portion 62b of the latch 62a and the locking hole 22. Furthermore, the latch 62a is biased upward Z2 by the spring 62d, so that the state in which the claw portion 62b and the locking hole 22 are engaged is maintained. This restricts the board case 60 from rotating around the rotation shaft 63 in the front-rear direction Y.

As shown in Figure 9A, the front side Y1 of the shaft portion 63a of the rotating shaft 63 is covered by the intermediate case portion 40 (side wall case portion 47). An inner portion 21a (head cover portion) of the accommodation recess 21 of the housing-side case portion 20 is disposed on the right side X2 (the side in the direction in which the shaft body protrudes) of the head 63b of the shaft portion 63a of the rotating shaft 63 (see Figure 8A). In other words, the inner portion 21a covers the head 63b of the rotating shaft 63 from the right side X2. Furthermore, the outer shell portion 20a of the housing-side case portion 20 is disposed further to the right side X2.
This protects the shaft portion 63a and head portion 63b of the rotating shaft 63 from external access.
Furthermore, the gap S21a between the head 63b of the rotating shaft 63 and the inner portion 21a of the accommodating recess 21 is sufficiently small, so there is no space to pull out the rotating shaft 63 to the right side X2. Therefore, even if the rotating shaft 63 were accessible, it would not be possible to remove the rotating shaft 63 from the board case 60.

(Rotation state)
When the board case 60 is rotated, the worker first operates the lever 62c of the locking part 62 to release the locking part 62 (see FIG. 7B). In this case, the worker simply pinches the lever 62c and the handle 61a with the thumb and index finger and moves them closer together. The worker can also operate the left and right locking parts 62 with the left and right hands, respectively. In this way, the locking part 62 has good operability for releasing the locking part 62.
Then, the worker rotates the board case 60 so as to tilt it toward the front side Y1, thereby rotating the board case 60 around the shaft 63a of the rotation shaft 63 inserted into the guide hole 42.
At this time, the operator simply pulls the handle 61a that was grasped when unlocking toward the front side Y1. This allows the operator to perform the operations from unlocking to rotating the board case part 60 in a single sequence without having to change hands, improving workability.

Even in the rotated state, as in the "fixed position state" described above, the rotation shaft 63 is protected from external access and cannot be removed from the board case portion 60.

(Sliding state)
By turning the board case 60, the upper part of the board case 60 comes out of the accommodation recess 21 of the housing-side case 20. As a result, the restriction on the movement of the board case 60 to the upper side Z2 is released. As a result, the board case 60 is guided by the guide holes 42 and becomes slidable in the vertical direction Z.
The range in which the board case part 60 can slide is the range in which the rotation shaft 63 can move, and therefore is a range corresponding to the length of the guide hole 42 in the vertical direction Z.

When the board case 60 is slid to the upper limit of the upper side Z2, the space on the front side Y1 of the board case 60 is large and empty, and no parts such as the drum unit 6 are present.
As a result, the board case 60 can be rotated from a 90-degree rotated state (the state shown in FIG. 5B) to an even larger open angle (for example, about 120 degrees). This improves the visibility of the back surface of the main control board 11. In addition, light from lighting or the like from outside the gaming machine can more easily reach the back surface of the main control board 11, further improving visibility.

Here, the intermediate case 40 may have a notch 40a (see FIGS. 4 and 14B) in part of its outer shape depending on design conditions (such as limitations on internal space).
9(B), in the portion having such a cutout 40a, the intermediate case portion 40 cannot cover the head 63b of the rotating shaft 63. Even in such a case, the guard portion 23 of the housing-side case portion 20 is provided in the range in which the head 63b of the rotating shaft 63 moves, and in the sliding state, covers the head 63b of the rotating shaft 63 from the front side Y1. As a result, in the sliding state, the guard portion 23 can protect the head 63b of the rotating shaft 63 from being accessed from the outside.

The inner portion 21a of the storage recess 21 of the housing-side case part 20 is located in an area corresponding to the installation range of the guide hole 42. In other words, this inner portion 21a is provided along the guide hole 42. Therefore, even in the sliding state, the inner portion 21a of the storage recess 21 of the housing-side case part 20 is located on the right side X2 of the head part 63b of the rotation shaft 63, and the outer portion 20a of the housing-side case part 20 is located further to the right X2. As a result, the head part 63b of the rotation shaft 63 cannot be accessed from outside in the left-right direction X.

9B, the plate-shaped top plate 20c (the plate portion on the front side Y1) of the housing-side case part 20 is also disposed on the right side X2 of the head part 63b of the rotation shaft 63. The top plate 20c is disposed on the ZX plane and is parallel to the central axis of the rotation shaft 63, so it extends in the direction in which the rotation shaft 63 is pulled out. Therefore, the top plate 20c can make it even more difficult to pull out the rotation shaft 63.
In this way, even in the sliding state, as in the above-mentioned "state in fixed position," the rotating shaft 63 is protected from access from the outside, and the rotating shaft 63 cannot be removed from the board case portion 60.

Furthermore, in addition to the gap S21a between the head 63b of the rotating shaft 63 and the inner portion 21a of the accommodating recess 21 being sufficiently small, the gap between the head 63b of the rotating shaft 63 and the guard portion 23 is also sufficiently small.
5B, therefore, the substrate case part 60 in the rotated state is prevented from rattling about an axis in the front-rear direction Y, that is, from rotating in the left-right direction X (see arrow θ60X in FIG. 5), and can slide in the vertical direction Z. This is because the gap around the head part 63b of the rotation shaft 63 is sufficiently small, and so when the substrate case part 60 rotates significantly in the left-right direction X, the head part 63b comes into contact with the guard part 23 and the inner part 21a of the accommodation recess 21.
If this backlash is large, there is a problem in that the gap S20a (see FIG. 9B) between the intermediate case portion 40 and the base case portion 60 becomes large. In the embodiment, this backlash can be reduced, so the gap S20a does not become large. As a result, in the gaming machine 1, when in the sliding state, it is possible to prevent access to the rotation shaft 63 from the gap S20a.

(Guidance by the restricting portion 61b)
In the above explanation, the rotational state and sliding state of the substrate case part 60 were explained separately, but as will be explained below, the substrate case part 60 can slide while rotating from a state in which it is placed in a fixed position.
FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the substrate case 60 of the embodiment rotates while being restricted by the restricting portion 61b.
1B and 10A, the gaming machine 1 includes a drum unit 6 provided on the front side Y1 of the board case 60. An abutment portion 16 is attached to the top of the drum unit 6.
The contact portion 16 is provided at a position in the left-right direction X corresponding to the restricting portion 61 b of the board case portion 60 .
The upper surface of the contact portion 16 is a contact surface 16a that contacts the restriction portion 61b and is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane).

10A, when the board case part 60 arranged in a fixed position is rotated to the front side Y1, the restricting part 61b (ridge part of the board case part 60) of the case member 61 comes into contact with the contact surface 16a of the contact part 16 of the drum unit 6. When the restricting part 61b comes into contact with the contact surface 16a, the board case part 60 is restricted from rotating to the front side Y1.
However, when a force is applied to rotate the case member 61 further forward Y1 while the restricting portion 61b and the abutting portion 16 are in abutment, the rotation shaft 63 of the board case member 60 moves upward Z2 along the guide hole 42, increasing the rotation angle. That is, the board case member 60 slides while rotating relative to the housing-side assembly 19 (in this case, the rotation shaft 63 moves slightly upward Z2 from near the lower end of the guide hole 42 along the guide hole 42). During this movement of the board case member 60, the abutment position of the restricting portion 61b against the abutting surface 16a of the abutting portion 16 changes.

10(B), when the board case 60 is rotated approximately 90 degrees, the board case 60 is placed on the abutment portion 16, and the back surface of the board case 60 faces upward Z2. In this state, the operator can check the back surface of the main control board 11 in detail through the transparent case member 61 (rear case portion 82).
Furthermore, even if the worker releases his/her hand from the board case part 60, the board case part 60 remains placed on the contact part 16. This is convenient for the worker as it allows him/her to perform other tasks or hold a flashlight with his/her free hand.
The substrate case 60 may be slid further upward Z2 from the state shown in Fig. 10B. In this case, as described above, the substrate case 60 can be rotated to an even greater open angle.

As shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, the electrical cable 11a connected to the main control board 11 (for example, an electrical cable connecting the sub-control board 12 and the main control board 11, an electrical cable connecting the drum unit 6 and the main control board 11, etc.) is generally connected to a connector located near the bottom end of the main control board 11. In this embodiment, the board case 60 rotates around a rotation shaft 63 located near the bottom end. Therefore, the distance between the rotation shaft 63 and the connector is sufficiently short. Therefore, the radius of rotation of the connector when the main control board 11 rotates is small. Therefore, the board case 60 can be rotated while the electrical cable 11a remains connected to the connector.
Furthermore, when an operator wants to view the back surface of the main control board 11, the operator need only rotate the board case unit 60 so that it tilts forward Y1, without having to slide it in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the sliding range of the board case unit 60 during work is sufficiently small. Therefore, the board case unit 60 can be slid in the vertical direction Z while the electrical cable 11a remains connected to the connector.
In this way, the rear surface of the main control board 11 can be seen without inserting or removing the connector that connects the electrical cable 11a and the main control board 11, thereby preventing damage to the cable and connector.

As explained above, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment allows the board case unit 60 to rotate so that it can tilt in the forward/backward direction Y, thereby improving the ease of checking for unauthorized modifications to the main control board 11. It also reduces damage to connectors, electrical cables 11a, etc. that may occur when the board case unit 60 rotates or slides. Furthermore, it also reduces unauthorized access to the rotation shaft 63 of the board case unit 60.

In contrast, the circuit board cases of conventional gaming machines have a rotation axis located on one of the left and right ends, and the direction of the rotation axis is parallel to the vertical direction Z. As a result, the connector located on the opposite side of the rotation axis has a large radius of rotation when rotating. As a result, the connector must be inserted and removed in a way that does not place stress on the cable. Furthermore, some connectors can only withstand insertion and removal a few dozen times (for example, 30 times or less), and inserting and removing the connector every time the circuit board is checked could damage the connector.

[Configuration of the intermediate case portion 40, and configuration for fixing the intermediate case portion 40 to the housing-side case portion 20 in an inseparable manner]
The configuration of the intermediate case 40 (rotating member), the configuration for fixing the intermediate case 40 to the housing case 20 (fixing member) so that it cannot be separated, etc. will be described in detail. In the drawings explaining these configurations, illustrations of the board case 60, etc. will be omitted as appropriate to facilitate understanding.
FIG. 11 is a view of the intermediate case portion 40 of the embodiment as viewed from the front side Y1.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the intermediate case portion 40 of the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the intermediate case portion 40 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a view showing the side wall case portion 47 on the right side X2 of the embodiment.
FIG. 14A is a left side view of the side wall case portion 47 on the right side X2.
FIG. 14B is a view of the side wall case portion 47 on the right side X2 as viewed from the front side Y1.
FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 14D.
FIG. 14D is a right side view of the side wall case portion 47 on the right side X2.
FIG. 14E is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 14B.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the lower hook connection portion 70 of the embodiment.
FIG. 15A is an enlarged perspective view showing the engagement holes 72 a and 72 b of the housing-side case portion 20 .
15B and 15C are enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional views taken along a line passing through the lower hook connection portion 70. FIG.
FIG. 15C is a diagram showing a state in which the intermediate case portion 40 rotates around the lower hook connection portion 70 .
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lower separated portion 40D of the embodiment is rotated relative to the housing-side case portion 20. FIG.
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the upper divided portion 40U and the lower divided portion 40D of the embodiment rotated relative to the housing-side case portion 20, as viewed from the right side X2.

As described above, the intermediate case portion 40 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 21 of the housing-side case portion 20 (see FIG. 4, etc.).
As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the intermediate case portion 40 includes an upper case portion 45 (first case portion), a reinforcing plate 46, a side wall case portion 47, and a lower case portion 48.
The upper case portion 45 (first case portion), the side wall case portion 47, and the lower case portion 48 are molded parts made of resin, and the reinforcing plate 46 is a pressed metal plate or the like.

The upper case portion 45 is disposed above the intermediate case portion 40 .
The reinforcing plate 46 is disposed approximately in the center of the intermediate case portion 40. The reinforcing plate 46 improves the strength of the intermediate case portion 40.
The side wall case parts 47 are provided on the left and right sides, respectively. The main configurations of the left and right side wall case parts 47 are substantially symmetrical.
The lower case portion 48 is disposed below the intermediate case portion 40 .
The bottom of the accommodating recess 41 of the intermediate case 40 is formed by an upper case 45 (first case), a reinforcing plate 46, and a lower case 48. The left and right walls of the intermediate case 40 are each formed by two side wall case 47. The wall on the lower side Z1 of the intermediate case 40 is formed by the lower case 48.

As shown in Figure 13, the components of the intermediate case 40 are integrally joined by screws, engagement parts, etc. That is, the upper case 45 and the reinforcing plate 46 are joined together by screws 43a. The side wall case 47 and the lower case 48 are joined together by screws 43b. These two integrated components are then further joined together by screws 43c.
When the intermediate case part 40 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 21 of the housing-side case part 20, the heads of these screws 43a to 42c are covered by the bottom and wall of the accommodation recess 21 and cannot be accessed from the outside. In addition, the head of the screw 2d (see FIG. 4) that secures the housing-side case part 20 to the back plate 2c of the housing 2 is covered by the intermediate case part 40 and cannot be accessed from the outside.

As shown in FIG. 14 and other figures, the side wall case portion 47 is a case member having the above-mentioned guide hole 42 (the guide hole 42 is indicated by a thick line in FIG. 14(A)).
As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14C, the lower end of the guide hole 42 has a large opening 42a.
14(C), in the process of attaching the substrate case part 60 to the intermediate case part 40, first, the head part 63b of the rotation shaft 63 of the substrate case part 60 is inserted into the opening part 42a of the guide hole 42 of the side wall case part 47, and then the substrate case part 60 is slid upward Z2 (see arrow A42a). Then, the side wall case part 47 with the rotation shaft 63 inserted therethrough and the other members (the upper case part 45 (first case part), the reinforcing plate 46, and the lower case part 48) are screwed together as described above to assemble into the intermediate case part 40.
Although not shown in the drawings, when the substrate case part 60 and the intermediate case part 40 are integrated, sliding the substrate case part 60 downward Z1 causes the lower end of the substrate case part 60 to abut against the lower Z1 part of the inner surface of the accommodating recess 41 of the intermediate case part 40, so that the head part 63b of the rotating shaft 63 is not positioned within the opening 42a. Therefore, the substrate case part 60 is not separated from the intermediate case part 40.

As shown in FIG. 14B, the side wall case portion 47 has a cut portion 47a.
The cut portion 47a is provided on the upper portion of the side wall case portion 47 and is a portion formed to be partially thin.
When the cutting portion 47a is cut with a tool or the like, the side wall case portion 47 is divided into an upper piece 47U and a lower piece 47D.

The upper piece 47U has a screw hole 47b for screwing together the side wall case portion 47 and the upper case portion 45. The upper piece 47U is a portion that is small enough to include this screw hole 47b.
The lower piece 47D has screw holes 47c for screwing together the side wall case portion 47 and the lower case portion 48. The lower piece 47D is a main portion of the side wall case portion 47, and is sufficiently smaller than the upper piece 47U.

Furthermore, by cutting the cut portion 47a of the side wall case portion 47, the entire intermediate case portion 40 is divided into two members, an upper divided portion 40U (first case portion) and a lower divided portion 40D (second case portion) (see FIGS. 16 and 17). That is, the cut portion 47a before cutting is a portion that integrally connects the upper divided portion 40U and the lower divided portion 40D.
The upper divided portion 40U includes an upper piece 47U of the side wall case portion 47, an upper case portion 45, and a reinforcing plate 46. The lower divided portion 40D includes a lower piece 47D of the side wall case portion 47 and a lower case portion 48.

As shown in Figures 11 and 15, the gaming machine 1 is equipped with a lower hook connection portion 70 (second connection portion) and an upper rotating connection portion 75 (first connection portion) as a configuration for fixing the intermediate case portion 40 to the cabinet side case portion 20, i.e., a configuration for connecting between the cabinet side case portion 20 and the intermediate case portion 40.
The lower hook connection portion 70 is a portion that connects the housing-side case portion 20 and the intermediate case portion 40 at the lower portion.
The lower hook connection portion 70 has engaging protrusions 71a, 71b and engaging holes 72a, 72b.
The engagement protrusions 71a, 71b are provided so as to protrude toward the lower side Z1 from the side surfaces of the lower side Z1 of the intermediate case portion 40. The engagement protrusions 71b are provided on the left and right sides of the lower part of the lower case portion 48. The engagement protrusions 71b are provided on the lower parts of the two side wall case portions 47, respectively.
As shown in Fig. 15B, the longitudinal cross section of the engagement protrusion 71a is L-shaped, and the engagement protrusion 71b has a similar shape (see Fig. 14A, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 15A, the engagement holes 72a and 72b are provided on the lower side Z1 of the inner surface of the accommodation recess 21 of the housing-side case portion 20.
As shown in FIG. 15B, the engaging protrusions 71a and 71b are inserted into and hooked into the engaging holes 72a and 72b, whereby the housing-side case part 20 and the intermediate case part 40 are connected at their lower parts.
The engagement protrusions 71a and engagement holes 72a are large enough in the left-right direction X. This allows the lower hook connection portion 70 to firmly connect the housing-side case portion 20 and the intermediate case portion 40.

When the intermediate case part 40 is housed in the housing-side case part 20's housing recess 21, the gap between the outer surface of the intermediate case part 40 and the inner surface of the housing recess 21 is sufficiently small (see Figure 15(B), etc.). Therefore, the engagement protrusions 71a, 71b and engagement holes 72a, 72b cannot be accessed from the outside.

The upper rotational connection portion 75 is a portion that inseparably connects the housing-side case portion 20 and the intermediate case portion 40 at the upper portion.
As shown in FIG. 12 and other figures, the upper rotary connection portion 75 has a cylindrical hole 75a.
The cylindrical hole 75a is provided in the upper part of the upper case part 45. The cylindrical hole 75a is a hole recessed inward in the left-right direction X from both end parts of the upper part of the upper case part 45. The central axis direction of the cylindrical hole 75a is parallel to the left-right direction X.
4 and other figures, a support member 77 fixed to the housing-side case part 20 is inserted into the cylindrical hole 75a. As a result, the intermediate case part 40 (upper case part 45) is supported rotatably in the front-rear direction Y with respect to the housing-side case part 20.
The detailed structure of the upper rotary connector 75 will be described later.

(State in which the cut portion 47a is not cut)
Due to the above-described configuration, the intermediate case portion 40 has an integral structure when the cut portions 47a of the side wall case portions 47 are not cut.
Therefore, even though the intermediate case part 40 is rotatable relative to the housing-side case part 20 by the upper rotation connection part 75 , the lower hook connection part 70 restricts the rotation.
As a result, the intermediate case part 40 is held by the housing-side case part 20 while being accommodated in the accommodation recess 21 of the housing-side case part 20. In other words, the intermediate case part 40 is fixed to the housing-side case part 20 and the housing 2.
In this way, the lower hook connection portion 70 and the upper rotating connection portion 75 can securely fix the intermediate case portion 40 to the housing side case portion 20 with minimal rattling and can also fix it in a non-separable manner when the intermediate case portion 40 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 21 of the housing side case portion 20.

(State in which the cutting portion 47a is cut)
When the gaming machine 1 is collected from a store, a worker (such as an employee of the manufacturer of the gaming machine 1) cuts the cut portion 47a of the side wall case portion 47, as described above. As a result, the intermediate case portion 40 is divided into two members: an upper divided portion 40U (first case portion) and a lower divided portion 40D (second case portion).

As shown in Figures 15(C) and 16, the lower divided portion 40D can be rotated so as to fall toward the front side Y1, with the lower hook connection portion 70 (the portion where the engaging protrusions 71a, 71b abut against the edges of the engaging holes 72a, 72b) as the rotation fulcrum.
In this case, the direction of the rotation axis (second rotation axis) during rotation is parallel to the left-right direction X.
Furthermore, by pulling out the engaging protrusions 71 a, 71 b from the engaging holes 72 a, 72 b, the lower divided portion 40D can be separated and removed from the housing-side case portion 20. In this case, when the rotation shaft 63 of the board case portion 60 and the guide hole 42 of the side wall case portion 47 are engaged with each other, the board case portion 60 and the lower divided portion 40D can be removed together from the housing-side case portion 20.

As shown in Figure 17, the upper divided portion 40U is rotatable relative to the housing-side case portion 20 around the rotation axis of the upper rotational connection portion 75. Therefore, the upper divided portion 40U can rotate in the front-to-back direction Y so as to be lifted from the lower side Z1 to the upper side Z2. In this case, the direction of the rotation axis (first rotation axis) during rotation is parallel to the left-to-right direction X.

In this way, the upper and lower divided sections 40U and 40D can each rotate in the front-to-rear direction Y, allowing them to be opened and closed like double doors.

By rotating the upper disconnection portion 40U, the screws 2d (see Figure 4) that connect the housing-side case portion 20 and the back panel 2c of the housing 2 are exposed and accessible. By removing these screws 2d, the worker can remove the housing-side case portion 20 from the back panel 2c.

As explained above, the circuit board case 60 of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is attached to the cabinet case 20 via the intermediate case 40. This prevents the circuit board case 60 from being illegally removed, even though it is configured to be rotatable and slidable relative to the cabinet assembly 19. Furthermore, when the gaming machine 1 is recovered, the cabinet case 20 can be easily removed from the back panel 2c of the cabinet 2 by cutting the cutout portion 47a of the intermediate case 40 and opening it like a double door.

In contrast, conventional gaming machines, even if they have a configuration in which the base case can be rotated relative to the cabinet, do not have a component such as the intermediate case portion 40. For this reason, compared to the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, conventional gaming machines are less effective at preventing the unauthorized removal of the base case.

[Configuration of upper rotary connection part 75]
FIG. 18 is a perspective view (viewed from the lower left side) of the vicinity of the upper rotary connector 75 of the embodiment.
In addition, the intermediate case portion 40 is not shown in FIG.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view (viewed from the upper right) illustrating how the intermediate case 40 and the support member 77 are attached to the housing-side case 20 of the embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a view showing the vicinity of the support member attachment portion 76 of the housing-side case portion 20 of the embodiment.
20A, 20C, and 20E are views of the vicinity of the support member attachment portion 76 as viewed from the front side Y1, the left side X1, and the rear side Y2.
FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 20A.
FIG. 20D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 20C.
20(F) and 20(G) are perspective views of the vicinity of the bearing mounting portion as viewed from the lower left and upper right.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a support member 77 according to the embodiment.
21A to 21D are views of the support member 77 as seen from the left side X1, the front side Y1, the right side X2, and the top side Z2, respectively.
FIG. 21E is a perspective view of the support member 77. FIG.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the claw cover member 78 of the embodiment.
22A to 22E are views of the support member 77 as seen from the left side X1, front side Y1, right side X2, rear side Y2, and bottom side Z1, respectively.
23 and 24 are views showing the vicinity of the upper rotary connector 75 of the embodiment.
Figure 23(A) is a view of the vicinity of the upper rotary connection part 75 as seen from the front side Y1. Note that Figure 23(A) does not show the intermediate case part 40 (upper case part 45).
FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 23A.
24A and 24B are views showing the vicinity of the upper rotary connector 75 in a state where the claw cover member 78 is not attached.
FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 24B.
FIG. 24B is a view of the vicinity of the upper rotary connector 75 when the hook cover member 78 is not attached, as viewed from the rear side Y2.
24(C) and 24(D) are views showing the vicinity of the upper rotary connector 75 with the claw cover member 78 attached.
FIG. 24C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 24D.
FIG. 24D is a view of the vicinity of the upper rotary connector 75 with the claw cover member 78 attached, as viewed from the rear side Y2.

As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the upper rotational connection part 75 includes a support member mounting part 76, a support member 77, a claw cover member 78 (engagement part cover member), and the cylindrical hole 75a of the intermediate case part 40 (upper case part 45) mentioned above. The support member 77 and claw cover member 78 are molded parts made of resin, etc.

20 , the support member attachment portion 76 is a structure for attaching a support member 77 to the housing-side case portion 20. The support member attachment portion 76 includes an attachment hole portion 76 a, a claw engagement portion 76 b, a U-shaped groove 76 c, and a claw cover portion 76 d.
The mounting hole 76a is a hole that penetrates in the left-right direction X. A support member 77 is inserted into the mounting hole 76a and attached. The bottom of the mounting hole 76a has an opening that is slightly smaller than the edge opening of the side surface of the housing-side case 20.
20(D) and 20(G), the claw engagement portion 76b is a flange-shaped portion formed by the opening at the bottom of the mounting hole portion 76a. The claw engagement portion 76b engages with the claw portion 77e of the support member 77 (see FIG. 20(D)).
The U-shaped groove 76c is a groove with a U-shaped cross section provided on the left side X1 (inside in the left-right direction X) of the mounting hole 76a. The U-shaped groove 76c has a bottom on the front side Y1 and a U-shaped opening that opens to the rear side Y2. The opening width of the U-shaped opening is larger than the inner dimension of the claw engagement portion 76b. Therefore, to the left side X1 of the claw engagement portion 76b, there is a space that is slightly larger than the claw engagement portion 76b. The claw portion 77e of the support member 77 is accommodated in this space (see FIG. 20(D)).
As shown in Figures 20(D) and 20(F), the claw concealing portion 76d is provided on the left side X1 of the U-shaped groove 76c, and is a flange-shaped portion similar to the claw engaging portion 76b.

The support member 77 is attached to the support member attachment portion 76 to rotatably support the intermediate case portion 40 .
As shown in FIG. 21, the support member 77 includes a lid portion 77a, a cylindrical portion 77b, and a claw portion 77e.
The lid portion 77a is a rectangular plate-shaped portion. The size of the lid portion 77a is such that it fits just inside the mounting hole portion 76a of the support member mounting portion 76. The lid portion 77a is attached to the mounting hole portion 76a to cover the mounting hole portion 76a.

The cylindrical portion 77b is a cylindrical portion that is inserted into the cylindrical hole 75a of the upper case portion 45. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 77b and the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole 75a are sufficiently large so that the upper rotational connection portion 75 can firmly connect the housing-side case portion 20 and the intermediate case portion 40.
The direction of the central axis of the tubular portion 77b, i.e., the direction of the rotation axis of the upper rotational connection portion 75, is the left-right direction X. The outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 77b has two cylindrical surfaces 77c and two flat surfaces 77d. The two cylindrical surfaces 77c are arranged facing each other on the front side Y1 and rear side Y2, and the flat surfaces 77d are arranged facing each other on the lower side Z1 and upper side Z2.
The cylindrical surface 77c is the portion that comes into sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical hole 75a of the upper case portion 45 (see FIG. 23(B)).
The claw portions 77e are provided so as to protrude from the two flat surfaces 77d of the cylindrical portion 77b toward the lower side Z1 and the upper side Z2, respectively. As described above, the claw portions 77e engage with the claw engaging portions 76b of the support member mounting portion 76.

22, the claw cover member 78 is a plate-like member that is elongated in the left-right direction X. As will be described later, the claw cover member 78 covers the U-shaped opening of the U-shaped groove 76c.
The claw cover member 78 includes protrusions 78a and 78b and a support member receiving portion 78c.
The protrusions 78a and 78b are portions for attaching the claw cover member 78 to the housing-side case portion 20. The protrusion 78a protrudes toward the front side Y1 and is hollow inside (see FIG. 23(B)), i.e., its cross section is U-shaped and opens to the lower side Z1. The protrusion 78b protrudes like a brim toward the right side X2.
22(B) and 22(C), the support member receiving portion 78c has a concave cylindrical surface provided on the surface on the front side Y1 of the claw cover member 78. As shown in Fig. 23(B), this cylindrical surface receives the cylindrical surface 77c of the tube portion 77b of the support member 77 from the rear side Y2, thereby suppressing rattling of the support member receiving portion 78c.

As shown by an arrow A76 in FIG. 18, the claw cover member 78 is attached to the attachment hole 76a of the housing-side case 20 by sliding it from the inside to the outside in the left-right direction X.
23B, the protrusion 76f of the housing-side case part 20 is inserted into the hollow part of the protrusion 78a, and the protrusion 78b is inserted into the hole part 76g of the housing-side case part 20. In this way, the claw cover member 78 is held in the housing-side case part 20.
Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 75b of the upper case portion 45 is housed in a recess 78e (engagement portion) formed by the protrusion 78a and the support member receiving portion 78c. Therefore, the claw cover member 78 is engaged with the upper case portion 45, is restricted from moving in the left-right direction X, and is securely held to the housing-side case portion 20. Furthermore, the claw cover member 78 is attached to the housing-side case portion 20 in an inseparable manner.

As shown in Figures 24(A) and 24(B), the U-shaped opening of the U-shaped groove 76c of the cabinet-side case portion 20 opens to the rear side Y2. Therefore, if the claw cover member 78 is not provided, if the cabinet-side case portion 20 is illegally removed from the back panel 2c, the claw portion 77e of the support member 77 will be exposed to the rear side Y2. This makes it possible to access the claw portion 77e using a tool T or the like. In this case, the support member 77 can be removed from the cabinet-side case portion 20, and the intermediate case portion 40 and the board case portion 60 may be illegally removed from the gaming machine 1.

23(C) and 23(D), in this embodiment, a claw cover member 78 covers the U-shaped opening of the U-shaped groove 76c of the housing-side case part 20. The claw cover member 78 is attached in an inseparable manner to the housing-side case part 20, and therefore, in order to access the claw part 77e, it is necessary to destroy this claw cover member 78.
Therefore, the gaming machine 1 can prevent the intermediate case portion 40 and the base case portion 60 from being removed fraudulently.

18 and 20(D), the claw cover portion 76d is arranged on the left side X1 (inside in the left-right direction X) of the claw portion 77e of the tubular portion 77b of the support member 77, and the tubular portion 75b of the intermediate case portion 40 is also arranged thereon. Therefore, the claw portion 77e is not accessible from the tip side of the tubular portion 77b of the support member 77.
The mounting hole 76a of the support member mounting portion 76 is covered with a lid 77a of the same size as the mounting hole 76a. Therefore, the claw 77e cannot be accessed from the tip side of the cylindrical portion 77b of the support member 77 through the mounting hole 76a.

As described above, the upper rotary connection portion 75 of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment can firmly connect the intermediate case portion 40 to the cabinet case portion 20 in a rotatable manner. Furthermore, the upper rotary connection portion 75 inseparably connects the intermediate case portion 40 and the cabinet case portion 20, thereby preventing tampering and the like.

[Mounting structure of the rotating shaft 63]
The structure for attaching the above-mentioned rotating shaft 63 to the board case portion 60 will be described.
25 and 26 are exploded perspective views of the board case 60 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the configuration of the vicinity of the mounting portion of the rotary shaft 63 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 27A is a view of the vicinity of the attachment portion of the rotary shaft 63 as viewed from the front side Y1.
FIG. 27B is a diagram in which the front case portion 81 is omitted from FIG. 27A.
FIG. 27C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 27A.
FIG. 27D is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 27A.
FIG. 27E is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the attachment portion of the rotary shaft 63 (the portion indicated by the arrow 27E in FIG. 25).
FIG. 28 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the attachment portion of the rotation shaft 63 with the substrate case 60 of the embodiment in a rotated state.
As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the board case section 60 includes a main control board 11, a front case section 81, a rear case section 82, a setting key section 83, a locking member 84, a screw guard 85, and the aforementioned rotating shaft 63.

The front case portion 81 (front case portion) and the rear case portion 82 (rear case portion) are case members that house the main control board 11 as described above, and the main parts are molded products made of transparent resin or the like.
The locking member 84 and the screw guard 85 are molded parts made of resin or the like.
The front case part 81 is a case member arranged on the front side Y1, which is the front side of the main control board 11, and the front case part 81 is a case member arranged on the rear side Y2, which is the rear side of the main control board 11. The main control board 11 is fixed to the front case part 81 with screws. The front case part 81 and the rear case part 82 are connected together with screws, claws, locking members 84, etc.
The setting key unit 83 is a member that is operated when changing the setting value of the advantage level of the gaming machine 1. The setting key unit 83 is fixed to the rear case unit 82 with a screw. The screw is covered by a cover 83a that is attached to the setting key unit 83 in an undetachable manner.

Two locking members 84 are provided. While a detailed explanation will be omitted, the locking members 84 are inserted through insertion holes 84a in the rear case portion 82 and insertion holes 84b in the front case portion 81, and engage with the front case portion 81 using their claws. Therefore, to separate the front case portion 81 and the rear case portion 82, the locking members 84 must be destroyed. This ensures that the front case portion 81 and the rear case portion 82 are inseparably joined together. In the field of gaming machines, this configuration in which the cases are inseparably joined using the locking members 84 is also known as crimping.

As shown in FIG. 27, the tip portion of the shaft portion 63 a of the rotary shaft 63 is fixed to the rear case portion 82 , and the front side Y 1 of this tip portion is covered by the front case portion 81 .
The rotary shaft 63 has a flat surface 63c and a mounting hole 63d.
The flat surface 63c is a portion obtained by cutting the tip of the shaft portion 63a into a flat surface. The two flat surfaces 63c are provided in a so-called double D cut shape, and these surfaces are parallel to each other.
The mounting hole 63d is a through-hole into which the shaft of a screw 80d is inserted to fix the rotation shaft 63 to the rear case portion 82. The mounting hole 63d is provided in the flat surface 63c.

The rear case portion 82 has a through hole 82a and screw holes 82d and 82e.
The through-holes 82a are holes that penetrate the outer periphery of the rear case portion 82 in the left-right direction X to allow the shaft portion 63a of the rotary shaft 63 to pass through. The through-holes 82a are provided at two corners on the lower side Z1 of the rear case portion 82. A flange-shaped collar 82b that protrudes radially outward is formed around the through-hole 82a of the rear case portion 82.
As shown in Figure 28, this flange 82b makes it difficult to access the shaft portion 63a of the rotating shaft 63 when the board case portion 60 is attached to the housing side assembly 19 (housing side case portion 20 and intermediate case portion 40), and also suppresses rattle of the board case portion 60 in the sliding state.

As shown in Figure 27, the screw holes 82d and 82e are aligned in the vertical direction Z. The screw hole 82d is a pilot hole for the screw 80d that secures the rotation shaft 63 to the rear case portion 82. The screw hole 82e is a pilot hole for the screw 80e that secures the screw guard 85 to the rear case portion 82.

The screw guard 85 includes a guard portion 85a and a mounting hole 85e.
The guard portion 85a is a plate-shaped portion provided directly below the mounting hole 85e. The guard portion 85a is positioned to cover (enclose) the head of the screw 80d that fixes the rotation shaft 63 to the rear case portion 82 from the front side Y1. Therefore, the guard portion 85a can protect the head of the screw 80d from being accessed.
The mounting holes 85e are through holes for screwing the screw guard 85 to the rear case portion 82. The shanks of the screws 80e for fixing the screw guard 85 to the rear case portion 82 are inserted into the mounting holes 85e.

With the above configuration, to remove the rotating shaft 63, it is first necessary to destroy the portion of the front case portion 81 that is located on the front side Y1 of the guard portion 85a (FIGS. 27A and 27C show an example of the fracture line 80j of the front case portion 81 that would result from this destruction). Next, it is necessary to destroy the guard portion 85a of the screw guard 85 (FIGS. 27B and 27C show an example of the fracture line 80k of the screw guard 85 that would result from this destruction). After that, it is necessary to access the head of the screw 80d that secures the rotating shaft 63 to the rear case portion 82, and remove the screw 80d.
In this way, in order to remove the rotating shaft 63, it is necessary to destroy the front case portion 81 and the screw guard 85, which leaves traces. This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized access to the main control board 11.
Even if the screw 80d can be removed, the housing-side case 20 has the screw guard 85 as described above, so there is no space to pull out the rotation shaft 63 in the left-right direction X (see FIG. 9, etc.).

[Identification information printing units 91 to 95]
The configuration of the identification information printing units 91 to 95 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the identification information printed sections 94 and 95 of the board case section 60 (front case section 81 and rear case section 82) of the embodiment.
Figures 29(A) and 29(C) are enlarged views showing the identification information printed portions 94, 95 of the front case portion 81 and the rear case portion 82. Figure 29(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of Figure 29(A).
As shown in FIG. 2, the housing case 20, the intermediate case 40, and the board case 60 each include identification information printed areas 91 to 95.
The identification information printing sections 91 to 95 are sections on which identification information corresponding to the identification information of the main control board 11 is printed. Different identification information is assigned to the cabinet side case section 20, the intermediate case section 40, and the board case section 60 for each gaming machine, and the identification information is printed thereon.
In the embodiment, as an example, an example is shown in which the same identification information, "00000," is printed on all of the identification information printing units 91 to 95 of the same gaming machine, but this is not limited to this and different forms may be used. In this case, in order to ensure traceability, the identification information of each identification information printing unit and the identification information of other identification information printing units may be associated and stored in a management device (computer, etc.) that manages the manufacture of gaming machines.

2, the identification information of the identification information printing sections 91 to 95 is printed by laser on the surface of the front side Y1 of each case member. Laser printing is performed by irradiating the resin with laser light and burning the surface of the resin.
The identification information printing section 91 is provided in the upper left area of the housing-side case section 20 .
The identification information printed sections 92, 93 are provided in the upper left area of the upper case section 45 of the intermediate case section 40 and in the lower Z1 area of the side wall case section 47 on the right side X2 (see FIG. 11).
The identification information printing section 94 (front case identification information printing section) and the identification information printing section 95 (rear case identification information printing section) are provided in the upper right area of the front case section 81 and the lower left area of the rear case section 82 of the board case section 60 (see Figure 25).
In this way, by providing the identification information printed sections 91 to 95 associated with the housing side case section 20, the intermediate case section 40, and the board case section 60, respectively, it is possible to prevent parts from being replaced for fraudulent purposes.

Furthermore, even after the gaming machine 1 is collected and further separated into the cabinet case portion 20, the intermediate case portion 40, and the board case portion 60, traceability of each component can be ensured.
Furthermore, the intermediate case portion 40 is separated into the upper divided portion 40U and the lower divided portion 40D as described above. The board case portion 60 is also disassembled into the front case portion 81 and the rear case portion 82 by destroying the locking member 84, etc. Even after separation in this manner, traceability can be ensured by the identification information printed portion 92 included in the upper divided portion 40U, the identification information printed portion 93 included in the lower divided portion 40D, the identification information printed portion 94 included in the front case portion 81, and the identification information printed portion 95 included in the rear case portion 82.

29(A) and 29(B), the identification information printed section 94 on the front case section 81 of the board case section 60 has five unit printed sections 94a corresponding to the five characters of identification information. One character is printed on each unit printed section 94a. Note that the concept of characters includes various symbols, numbers, etc.
The vertical cross section of the unit printing section 94a of the front case section 81 has a front side Y1 (case surface) that is a convex arc shape toward the front side Y1, and a rear side Y2 (case back surface) that is a flat surface. In this way, the surface (surface) of the front side Y1 of the vertical cross section is a curved surface (three-dimensionally shaped portion).
In the laser printing process, laser light L (see FIG. 29B) is irradiated from the front side Y1 onto the surface of the front side Y1 of each unit printing section 94a in parallel with the front-to-rear direction Y. As a result, when the identification information printing section 94 is observed from the front side Y1, the printed characters appear in a clean font without distortion.

The identification information printed section 95 of the rear case section 82 is provided on a flange-shaped portion of the rear case section 82 that protrudes toward the left side X1 (see FIG. 25 , etc.). The flange-shaped portion protrudes from the outer shape of the front case section 81 when the board case section 60 is viewed from the front side Y1. Therefore, when the front case section 81, the rear case section 82, etc. are integrated into the board case section 60, the identification information printed section 95 is exposed to the front side Y1 and can be observed from the front side Y1.
Although a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the identification information printed section 95 of the rear case section 82 is omitted, the identification information printed section 95 has a similar structure to the identification information printed section 94 of the front case section 81. That is, the identification information printed section 95 has five unit printed sections 95a, and the front side Y1 of the longitudinal cross-sectional shape is arc-shaped.

Due to the above-described shape, the identification information printed portions 94 and 95 are highly effective in preventing tampering.
For example, if the printing on the identification information printing sections 94 and 95 is to be erased by grinding, cutting, or the like for fraudulent purposes and then another piece of identification information is to be printed, a laser printing device is required. Such printing devices are not widely available for consumer use and are expensive and therefore difficult to obtain. Even if printing is attempted using a printing device that transfers or ejects ink, the curved surfaces of the identification information printing sections 94 and 95 will result in distortion and bleeding of the characters. Furthermore, even if other identification information is printed on the back side, the lens effect caused by the curved surfaces of the identification information printing sections 94 and 95 will also result in distortion of the characters.

Although not shown in the figures, the front Y1 surface (case surface) of each member 20, 40 (45, 47) of the identification information printing units 91-93 is flat, and laser printing is performed on this flat surface from the front Y1. Note that these identification information printing units 91-93 may also have a three-dimensional shape similar to the identification information printing units 94, 95.

The printing process of the identification information printing units 91 to 95 is preferably performed not on each component individually but with the housing case 20, intermediate case 40, and board case 60 in an integrated state (as shown in FIG. 2 ). In this case, the printing process can be performed in one step, and the complicated task of combining components with the same identification information while checking the identification information of each component is not required.
The printing process for the identification information printing units 91 to 95 may be performed with the housing-side case unit 20, the intermediate case unit 40, and a portion of the board case unit 60 integrated together. For example, from the viewpoint of workability in assembling the aforementioned components, it is preferable to perform the printing process for at least the identification information printing units 92 and 93 with the intermediate case unit 40 integrated with the upper case unit 45, the side wall case unit 47, etc. Furthermore, it is preferable to perform the printing process for the identification information printing units 94 and 95 with the board case unit 60 integrated with the front case unit 81, the rear case unit 82, etc.

As explained above, the identification information printing units 94, 95 of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment are printed on three-dimensional surfaces, thereby improving the effectiveness of preventing tampering. Furthermore, the identification information printing units 91-95 ensure traceability of parts after disassembly of the housing case unit 20, intermediate case unit 40, and circuit board case unit 60, and further reduce the number of steps required for the printing process.

In contrast, the identification information on the circuit board cases of conventional gaming machines is provided on a flat surface, which means that there is little effectiveness in preventing tampering, and traceability of parts after the circuit board case is disassembled is insufficient.

The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the various configurations of the above-described embodiment and the various configurations of the modified embodiments described below can also be used in appropriate combinations, but detailed explanations will be omitted.

(1) In the embodiment, the case member housed inside the housing is a board case that houses a main control board, but is not limited to this. The case member may be any type of case member that can be housed inside the housing. For example, the case member may be a board case that houses a sub-control board.
(2) In the embodiment, the board case is rotatable in the front-rear direction around a left-right axis, but this is not limiting. For example, the board case may be supported so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction around a vertical axis.

(3) In the embodiment, the gaming machine is a slot machine, but is not limited to this. The gaming machine may be, for example, a pachinko machine, a ball slot machine, or other gaming machines.
The gaming machine may also be a so-called medal-less gaming machine that can play games using pseudo gaming media in the form of data rather than using actual gaming media such as medals.Furthermore, the gaming machine may be a so-called enclosed gaming machine that can play games by circulating gaming media such as gaming balls internally rather than paying them out to the outside.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Gaming machine 2: Cabinet 2a: Front door 2c: Back panel 11: Main control board 11a: Electric cable 19: Cabinet side assembly 20: Cabinet side case section 40: Intermediate case section 60: Board case section 61: Case member 63: Rotating shaft 70: Lower hook connection section 75: Upper rotating connection section 77: Support member 78: Claw cover member 91 to 95: Identification information printing section

Claims (4)

a housing-side case portion fixed to a housing of the gaming machine by a fixing member;
an intermediate case part that is attached inseparably to the housing-side case part in a manner that the fixing member cannot be accessed from the outside by covering the fixing member;
a substrate case portion that is rotatable relative to the intermediate case portion,
The intermediate case portion is
a first case portion connected to the housing-side case portion by a first connection portion;
a second case portion connected to the housing-side case portion by a second connection portion;
a cutting portion that integrally connects the first case portion and the second case portion and that separates the first case portion and the second case portion by being cut,
The first case portion and the second case portion are
When the cut portion is not cut, the cut portion is integral with the housing-side case portion, and the cut portion is fixed to the housing-side case portion by the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.
When the cut portion is cut, the cut portion is separated, so that the cut portion can be removed from the housing-side case portion or can be moved relative to the housing-side case portion.
A gaming machine characterized by: a housing-side case portion fixed to a housing of the gaming machine by a fixing member;
an intermediate case part that is attached inseparably to the housing-side case part in a manner that the fixing member cannot be accessed from the outside by covering the fixing member;
a substrate case portion that is rotatable relative to the intermediate case portion ,
The main body portion of the intermediate case portion is
The housing-side case portion is attached to the housing, and the housing-side case portion is fixed to the housing.
The main body portion covers the fixing member.
A gaming machine characterized by : the first case portion is connected to the housing-side case portion by the first connection portion so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis;
the second case portion is connected to the housing-side case portion by the second connection portion so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis;
The first case portion and the second case portion are
When the cut portion is not cut, the cut portion is integral with the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and the cut portion is prevented from rotating around the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the cutting portion is separated in a cut state, thereby allowing the gaming machine to rotate around the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. The fixing member is
The gaming machine described in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the cutting portion is cut and the first case portion and the second case portion are removed from the cabinet side case portion or moved relative to the cabinet side case portion, thereby becoming exposed to the outside and accessible.