JP2002224377A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine having a ball-dispensing operation part situated in a position where it is easy to find for ease of ball-dispensing operation. SOLUTION: The game machine has a ball-dispensing operation part for carrying out the operation of dispensing balls. The ball-dispensing operation part is provided on the front face of a forwardly projecting part and a ball ride preventing part for preventing balls from riding on the upper surface of the projecting part and remaining there is provided on the upper surface of the projecting part. The ball-dispensing operation part includes a ball-dispensing switch for requiring the dispensing of balls, a card return switch for requiring the return of a card inserted in a card slot, a guide part for guiding the operating positions of the ball-dispensing switch and the card return switch, and a reporting means for reporting the operation of turning the ball-dispensing switch on and the operation of turning the card return switch on.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a ball lending operation section for performing a ball lending operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A game machine called a "CR machine" for lending a ball based on information stored in a prepaid card (a card for lending a ball) and a game machine such as a pachinko game machine, and cash are directly inserted into the game machine. There is a game machine called "cash machine" for lending balls. In the case of a "CR machine", generally, a ball lending operation unit for a prepaid card is provided, while in the case of a "cash machine", since the prepaid card is not used, the ball lending operation unit is omitted. I have. The ball lending operation unit includes, for example, a ball lending switch for requesting a ball lending, a card return switch for requesting a return of a prepaid card inserted in the card insertion slot, and a remaining prepaid card inserted in the card insertion slot. The apparatus is provided with a remaining frequency display (card information display) for displaying the frequency. The ball lending operation unit is generally provided in an upper plate unit having an upper plate capable of storing game balls, and most of them are provided on an upper edge portion of the upper plate.

[0003]

However, when a ball lending operation section is provided on the upper edge of the upper plate as in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine, a falling ball easily hits the ball lending operation section. Each switch of the ball lending operation unit may be erroneously pressed by the falling ball. On the other hand, for example, when the ball lending operation unit is provided at a position other than the upper edge of the upper plate, such as a panel member on the front of the upper plate unit, the position of the ball lending operation unit is somewhat difficult to understand, and it takes time to perform the ball lending operation. There was something. Also, for example, in the case of a gaming machine in which a required waiting time occurs from when the switch is turned on to when the ball lending or card return is executed, the on operation of each switch is effective during the waiting time. Since the player could not know whether or not there was, there was a case where the player accidentally pressed the switch many times even though the switch-on operation was effective. As a result, there is a possibility that inconveniences such as excessive discharge of the rental ball may occur.

Further, in the case of the above-mentioned "CR machine", an attaching portion for attaching each switch and a remaining frequency indicator to the upper plate unit is required. The upper unit could not be shared between the "cash machine" and the "CR machine". As a result, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the upper plate unit increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine in which the position of a ball lending operation section can be easily understood and a ball lending operation can be easily performed. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the manufacturing cost of the upper plate unit.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine having a ball lending operation unit for performing a ball lending operation, wherein the ball lending operation unit is provided in front of the game machine. It is provided on the front of the protruding part that protrudes,
The upper surface of the protruding portion is provided with a ball riding prevention portion for preventing the ball from riding and staying.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the ball lending operation section is provided on the front surface of the projection projecting forward, the position of the ball lending operation section can be easily understood, and the ball lending operation can be easily performed. Operation becomes easier. In addition, since the ball riding prevention portion is provided on the upper surface of the projecting portion, it is possible to prevent the ball from getting on the projecting portion and staying.

Here, examples of the game machine include a ball game machine using a ball as a game medium, such as a pachinko game machine, an arrangement ball game machine, a sparrow ball game machine, and the like. The ball riding prevention unit is configured by, for example, a convex block (for example, a column, a cone, a wall, or the like) protruding from the upper surface of the protrusion, or an inclined surface formed on the upper surface of the protrusion. Examples of the inclined surface include an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the front or one side, an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward both ends with the middle part in the left-right direction being a vertex, and the like.
Not only a plane with a constant slope but also a curved surface with a gradually changing slope is included.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the game machine further comprises a card insertion slot into which a ball lending card can be inserted, and the ball lending operation section includes a lending device for requesting a ball lending. A configuration comprising: a ball switch; a card return switch for requesting a return of the card inserted into the card insertion slot; and a guide unit for guiding operation positions of the ball rental switch and the card return switch. did.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the guide section is provided in the ball lending operation section, the operation positions of the ball lending switch and the card return switch can be easily understood, and the switches can be quickly operated. it can.

Here, as the guide portion, for example, a guide portion for visually guiding the operation position of each switch, such as a color, a symbol, or a character, or for example, a protrusion, a groove portion, or the like, is used to indicate the operation position of each switch by touch. There is a guide unit for guiding.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the guide portion is provided so as to extend between the ball lending switch and the card return switch.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the guide portion is provided so as to straddle between the ball lending switch and the card return switch, the guide portion is easily noticeable.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the second or third aspect, the guide portion is formed by a groove formed on a front surface of the projecting portion, and the ball switch and the card return are formed. Each of the switches is provided so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the groove.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the ball lending switch and the card return switch are provided so as to protrude from the bottom of the groove serving as the guide portion, it is easy to press the switches.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the ball rental switch and the card return switch have different colors.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the colors of the ball lending switch and the card return switch are different, it is easy to distinguish between the ball lending switch and the card return switch. Can be reduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an upper plate unit having an upper plate capable of storing a ball, a card insertion slot into which a card for lending a ball can be inserted, and an insertion of the card into the card insertion slot. A ball lending operation unit that performs a ball lending operation based on the ball lending operation, wherein the ball lending operation unit requests a ball lending switch for requesting a ball lending and a return of the card inserted into the card insertion slot. A card return switch for displaying, a card information display for displaying stored information of the card inserted into the card insertion slot, and a ball lending display for displaying whether or not a ball lending is possible. In the gaming machine provided, the upper plate unit has a front panel constituting a front portion thereof, and the front panel includes an upper plate portion covering the upper plate, and a cover portion covering the periphery of the upper plate. ,
The cover portion is provided with a protruding portion that protrudes forward, and an opening portion is provided on a distal end surface of the protruding portion,
A ball riding prevention unit is provided on an upper surface of the protruding portion to prevent a ball from riding and staying, and a ball lending switch and the card return switch are provided on the back side of the cover portion through the opening. Can be operated and viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and the display of the card information display and the ball rental display can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine through the opening, and The ball rental operation unit mounting portion to which the operation unit can be mounted is provided.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a ball-lending operation unit mounting portion to which a ball-lending operation unit can be mounted is provided on the back side of the cover portion of the front panel.
It becomes possible to exchange or reuse only the ball rental operation unit. In addition, since the ball lending switch, the card return switch, the card information display, and the ball lending display are mounted on the front panel of the upper unit in a unitized state, the mounting of these parts becomes easy. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the upper plate unit. Further, since the ball riding prevention portion is provided on the upper surface of the projecting portion, it is possible to prevent the ball from riding on and staying on the projecting portion.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the sixth aspect, the ball-lending operation unit mounting portion can mount a closing member capable of closing the opening in place of the ball-lending operation unit. Was adopted.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the closing member can be attached to the mounting portion of the ball-lending operation unit instead of the ball-lending operation unit.
The upper plate unit can be used in common with the machine. That is, by mounting the ball-lending operation unit on the ball-lending operation unit mounting portion, the upper plate unit can be used for the CR machine. On the other hand, by mounting the closing member on the ball-lending operation unit mounting portion, the upper plate unit can be mounted. It can also be used for cash machines. Accordingly, the production management of the upper plate unit and the like become easier, and the production cost of the upper plate unit can be further reduced.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the operation unit of the ball lending switch and the operation unit of the card return switch are connected to each other, and Is selectively operable.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the operation unit of the ball lending switch and the operation unit of the card return switch are connected to each other and each switch can be selectively operated, the number of parts can be reduced. And the work of assembling those switches can be reduced. Further, the operability of each switch can be improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a card insertion slot into which a ball lending card can be inserted, a ball lending switch for requesting a ball lending, and return of the card inserted into the card insertion slot. And a card return switch for requesting, in a gaming machine comprising: a notifying unit for notifying that there is an ON operation on each of the ball lending switch and the card return switch, the notifying unit is provided to each switch The light-emitting device is provided correspondingly and has a light-emitting state visible from the outside.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, since the light emitting device notifies that the ball lending switch and the card return switch have been turned on, the on operation of the switches is effective. The player can confirm whether or not there is. Therefore, even if a required waiting time occurs between the time when each switch is turned on and the ball is lent or the card is returned, the player erroneously presses the switch many times during the waiting time. Can be prevented as much as possible. Further, since the light emitting devices are provided corresponding to the respective switches, it becomes easier for the player to know which switch the notification by the light emitting device corresponds to which switch.

Here, examples of the light emitting device include an LED and a lamp that can notify that each switch has been turned on by a light emitting state (lighting or blinking).

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine exemplified as a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The pachinko gaming machine 100 of this embodiment
Is a so-called "CR machine" type of pachinko gaming machine, which comprises a gaming machine main body 100A and a card-type ball lending machine 1.
00B.

The card-type ball lending machine 100B is a game machine main body 1
It is juxtaposed next to 00A. This card-type ball rental machine 10
0B has a card insertion slot 101 for inserting a prepaid card (a card for lending a ball), and a card reader / writer (not shown) capable of reading and rewriting stored information of the prepaid card inserted from the card insertion slot 101.
Is provided inside.

On the other hand, the main body 100A of the gaming machine is
And a frame-shaped front frame 21 rotatably supported on one side of the body frame 20. A glass storage frame 23 and an upper plate unit 30 are vertically rotatably mounted on the front upper half of the front frame 21 so as to be rotatable around the left end.

The glass storage frame 23 has a transparent glass plate 2
The game board 1 that holds the game area 4 is provided behind the glass plate 24. In the game area 1a surrounded by the guide rails 2 of the game board 1, there are general figure starting gates 6, 6, a special symbol (special figure) display device 4, a normal symbol (general figure) display device 7, and a special figure starting port. , A special variable prize device 5 for performing a cycle game in which a large prize port is changed from a closed state to an open state depending on the result of a special figure variable display game, a general prize port 8,
.. Are provided with side lamps 12, 12, a hitting direction changing member 14, called a windmill, a large number of obstacle nails (not shown), and the like. An out hole 13 for collecting an out ball is provided in the center of the lowermost end of the game area 1a.

On the other hand, the upper plate unit 30 receives and stores game balls (prize balls, rental balls) discharged from a discharge device (not shown), and is sent from the upper plate 35. Launch balls separated from each other (not shown)
A ball feed unit (not shown) for supplying the above is provided. A ball-pulling operation lever 36 is provided below the upper plate 35 on the right side of the gaming machine when viewed from the front of the gaming machine so as to pull out the ball of the upper plate 35 and flow down to the lower plate 26. A projecting portion 32 projecting forward is provided above the ball-pulling operation lever 36, and a front surface of the projecting portion 32 has
A ball lending operation unit 40 for performing a ball lending operation is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the ball lending operation unit 40 includes:
Ball lending switch 41 for requesting ball lending, card return switch 42 for requesting return of a prepaid card inserted in card insertion slot 101, card insertion slot 101
Remaining frequency of prepaid card inserted in (memory information)
, A remaining frequency indicator 43 (card information indicator),
A ball lending display 44 and the like for displaying whether the ball lending is possible or not by a lighting state is provided.

For example, when a prepaid card is inserted into the card slot 101 of the card-type ball lending machine 100B, the stored information of the prepaid card is read by the card reader / writer inside the card-type ball lending machine 100B, and the remaining frequency of the prepaid card is read. Is displayed on the remaining frequency indicator 43. When the remaining frequency of the prepaid card is "0", the prepaid card is automatically returned from the card insertion slot 101. On the other hand, when the remaining frequency of the prepaid card is not "0", the ball lending indicator 44 Is lit to indicate that the ball can be lent. In this display state, when the ball lending switch 41 is pressed, the card reader / writer subtracts the remaining frequency of the prepaid card and rewrites the stored information of the prepaid card, and the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted frequency. The lending ball) is discharged from a discharge device (not shown) and guided down to the upper plate 35. At this time, for example, if the remaining frequency of the prepaid card is reduced to “0”, the card insertion slot 10
1 automatically returns the prepaid card,
The ball lending indicator 44 is turned off, and a display indicating that the ball lending is not possible is performed. If the card return switch 42 is pressed while the prepaid card is inserted into the card insertion slot 101, the prepaid card is returned from the card insertion slot 101 regardless of the remaining frequency of the prepaid card and The display 44 is turned off.

At the lower position of the upper plate unit 30, as shown in FIG. 1, a lower plate 26 for accommodating game balls that cannot be accommodated in the upper plate 35, and a shooting operation of game balls toward the game area 1a. An operation handle 25 for performing the operation is provided.

Next, the ball lending operation section 40 will be described in more detail.

The upper plate unit 30 is provided with a front panel 31 constituting a front portion thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the front panel 31 includes an upper plate portion 31B that covers the upper plate 35 and a cover portion 31A that covers the periphery of the upper plate 35. (When viewed from the front of the machine), a substantially elliptical column-shaped protrusion 32 protruding forward is provided. A substantially elliptical opening 32b is provided at the tip end surface of the protruding portion 32. When facing forward through the opening 32b, the ball lending switch 41, the card return switch 42, the remaining frequency indicator 43, and the lending Ball display 4
A ball-lending operation unit 40 </ b> A, which is a unit of 4, is attached from the back side of the front panel 31. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, on the back side of the front panel 31,
A ball-lending operation unit mounting portion 33 to which the ball-lending operation unit 40A can be mounted is provided.
By attaching the ball lending operation unit 40 </ b> A to 3, the ball lending operation unit 40 described above is configured on the front surface of the protrusion 32. Ball operation unit mounting part 3
3, a plurality of mounting bosses (not shown) are provided upright toward the rear, and each mounting boss is provided with a mounting hole (not shown) for passing a fastening member. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper surface 32a of the protruding portion 32 has an inclined curved surface that is gently inclined downward toward the front and gently inclined downward from the center toward both left and right sides. The inclined curved surface constitutes a ball riding prevention unit for preventing the ball from riding and staying.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ball lending operation unit 40A includes a lens member 53, a decoration member 56, and a ball lending switch 4.
1. Each of the card return switch 42 and the operation panel board 50 is assembled to the base member 60.

The lens member 53 is a transparent member formed into a shape that can be fitted into the opening 32b of the protruding portion 32 from the back side of the front panel 31. The front end exposed surface 53a of the lens member 53 is in contact with the surface of the front panel 31. It is configured to be flush. As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of vertically elongated, substantially elliptical grooves 54, 54 (guide portions) are provided on the right side of the front surface of the lens member 53 so as to be slightly aligned with the center of each groove 54. The switch mounting hole 5 penetrating back and forth
5 are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface of each groove portion 54 is an inclined surface that is inclined in a direction to become deeper as approaching the switch mounting hole 55,
The inclination angle of the lower inclined surface 54b of the switch mounting hole 55 with respect to the front end exposed surface 53a of the lens member 53 is smaller than that of the upper inclined surface 54a of the switch attachment hole 55. That is, the groove 54 is formed in a shape that allows easy finger placement. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the grooves 54, 54 is slightly inclined in a direction in which the lower side faces left when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. That is, the switches 41 and 42 are configured to be easily operated with the left hand, assuming that the right hand cannot be used by operating the operation handle 25. Further, as shown in FIG.
3 has a positioning wall 5 extending from the outer peripheral surface thereof.
3b is provided, and the ball-lending operation unit 40A is positioned with respect to the front panel 31 in a state where the front surface of the positioning wall 53b is in contact with the rear surface of the front panel 31.

The decorative member 56 is a light-shielding plate-like member, and is disposed between the lens member 53 and the base member 60. In the decoration member 56, at positions corresponding to the switch mounting holes 55 of the lens member 53,
There are provided through holes 57 penetrating in the front and rear, respectively.
In the vicinity of the through hole corresponding to the ball lending switch 41 among these through holes 57, 57, as shown in FIG. There is provided a window section 59 for a ball rental indicator which can be more visually recognized. Further, on the left side of the decorative member 56, there is provided a remaining frequency indicator window portion 58 that allows the remaining frequency indicator 43 on the operation panel substrate 50 disposed behind the decorative member 56 to be visible from the front of the gaming machine. On the front surface of the decoration member 56, functions of the switches 41 and 42, units of the frequency displayed on the remaining frequency display 43, and the like are described.

The ball lending switch 41 and the card return switch 4
No. 2 has the same shape but different colors. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the switches 41 and 42 includes shaft portions 41b and 42b extending in the front-rear direction, cap-shaped operation portions 41a and 42a covering front portions of the shaft portions 41b and 42b, and the operation portion 41a. , 42a are provided along the periphery of the collar-shaped locked portions 41c, 42c. The switches 41 and 42 are provided so as to penetrate the lens member 53, the decoration member 56, and the base member 60, and the respective operation portions 41a and 42a are connected to the switch mounting holes 55 and 55 and the decoration member 56 of the lens member 53. Through the through holes 57, 57, and project from the bottom surfaces of the grooves 54, 54 of the lens member 53, while the rear end faces of the respective shaft portions 41b, 42b
Through the insertion holes 65, 65 (described later) of the base member 60,
Each switch detection unit 51, 52 on the operation panel substrate 50
(Described later). Each of the switches 41 and 42 detects the operation state of each of the switches 41 and 42.
It is movable back and forth within a range that can be detected by 1, 52.

The base member 60 has a front wall portion 61 having a recess 61a for accommodating the decorative member 56, and a switch mounting opening 61b in the front wall portion 61. Switch accommodating section 6 accommodating 42
4, 64, and a side wall 68 projecting rearward from the periphery of the front wall 61. Front wall 6
As shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 2, at the positions corresponding to the window 59 for ball display and the window 58 for remaining frequency display of the decorative member 56, the opening 63 for ball display and the opening for remaining frequency display are provided. 62 are provided. On the back side of the front wall portion 61, a mounting column (not shown) for mounting the operation panel substrate 50 is provided upright toward the rear. As shown in FIG. 4, each switch accommodating portion 64 has a concave chamber portion 64 a having a shape capable of accommodating the latter half of each switch 41, 42. , 42b are inserted in the front and rear direction. Further, on the inner wall surface, regulating wall portions 66,... For regulating the rearward movement of the switches 41, 42 are erected forward and claws for regulating the forward movement of the switches 41, 42. Part 67a
The elastic pieces 67,... That is, the locked portion 41 of each switch 41, 42
are arranged behind c, 42c, the rearward movement of each switch 41, 42 is restricted by the regulation wall 66,..., and the switches 41, 42 are locked. The pawl portions 67a,... Are disposed in front of the portions 41c, 42c, and the pawl portions 67a,.
2 is restricted from moving forward. When the switches 41 and 42 are attached and detached, the elastic pieces 6 are moved in a direction in which the pair of claws 67a and 67a are separated from each other.
7 and 67, the claws 67a, 67a
Regulations can be lifted. A plurality of attachment pieces (not shown) for attaching the base member 60 to the front panel 31 are provided on the side wall section 68 so as to extend vertically from the outer peripheral surface thereof. A through hole (not shown) for passing through is provided in a state penetrating forward and backward.

On the operation panel board 50, a ball lending switch detecting section 51 for detecting a pressing operation of the ball lending switch 41, a card returning switch detecting section 52 for detecting a pressing operation of the card returning switch 42, and a remaining frequency indicator 43. , Electronic components such as a ball lending display 44 are mounted. In the upper part of the operation panel substrate 50, a through hole penetrating front and rear (not shown)
The operation panel substrate 50 and the base member 60 are connected to each other by passing a fastening member from the through hole toward the mounting hole of the mounting column of the base member 60. The ball-for-sale switch detection unit 51 detects a pressing operation of the ball-for-sale switch 41, and is disposed at a position facing the rear end face of the shaft of the ball-for-sale switch 41. Similarly, the card return switch detection unit 52 detects a pressing operation of the card return switch 42 and is arranged at a position facing the rear end face of the shaft of the card return switch 42. These switch detection units 51 and 52 are configured by, for example, limit switches and the like.
Pressed by 1b and 42b, the open / close state of the contact is changed. The remaining frequency indicator 43 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment LED. As shown in FIG. 2, the remaining frequency indicator 43 is disposed at a position corresponding to the remaining frequency indicator opening 62 of the base member 60 and the remaining frequency indicator window 58 of the decorative member 56, and has a front side. The display surface is visible from the front of the gaming machine via the lens member 53. The ball rental indicator 44 is
For example, it is constituted by an LED or the like. The ball-for-sale indicator 44 is provided in the ball-for-sale indicator opening 6 of the base member 60.
3 and the decoration member 56 are provided at positions corresponding to the window section 59 for a ball rental display, and the light emission state thereof can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine via the lens member 53. The ball switch switch detector 51, the card return switch detector 52, the remaining frequency indicator 43, and the ball indicator 44 are all electrically connected to a discharge control device (not shown). This discharge control device is also electrically connected to a discharge device (not shown) and the card-type ball lending machine 100B. For example, based on stored information of the prepaid card output from the card-type ball lending machine 100B, The remaining number of the prepaid card is displayed on the frequency display 43, and the ball lending display 44 is turned on or off to indicate whether or not the ball lending is possible. In addition, the discharge control device, for example, when inputting a detection signal from the ball rental switch detection unit 51, in cooperation with the card-type ball rental machine 100B,
Control is performed to discharge the required number of lending balls from the discharging device. That is, the discharge control device sends the driving source operation data to the discharge device based on the ball rental control command input from the card-type ball lending machine 100B, and controls the discharge device to discharge the required number of lent balls. . In addition, the discharge control device counts the number of lent balls and the number of prize balls based on the prize ball / lending ball data input from the discharge device, and based on the counted values, the lent ball discharge and the prize ball discharge are accurately performed. A process is performed to monitor whether or not the operation is performed. Further, for example, when a detection signal is input from the card return switch detection unit 52, the discharge control device transmits a signal requesting a card return to the card-type ball lending machine 100B. Based on this signal, the card-type ball lending machine 100B returns the prepaid card from the card insertion slot 101.

The ball rental operation unit 4 configured as described above
In the case where the lens member 53 is attached to the front panel 31, the lens member 53 is first opened from the rear surface side of the front panel 31.
b. Next, the front end of the ball-gearing operation unit 40A (excluding the lens member 53) faces the ball-gearing operation unit mounting portion 33 on the back side of the front panel 31, and in this state, the ball-gearing operation unit 40A (the lens member 53). (Except for), the operating portions 41a, 42a of the switches 41, 42 are aligned with the switch mounting holes 55, 55 of the lens member 53 previously mounted. Further, the ball rental operation unit 40A (the lens member 53)
(Except for the operation part 41)
a, 42a are inserted into the switch mounting holes 55, 55, and the lens member 53 is sandwiched between the front panel 31 and the base member 60.
In this state, the mounting of the ball-lending operation unit mounting portion 33 is performed through a through-hole (not shown) of each mounting piece of the base member 60 and a through-hole (not shown) of the operation panel substrate 50 in this state. The fastening member is passed toward the mounting hole (not shown) of the boss. As a result, the ball letting operation unit 40A is attached to the ball letting operation unit attachment part 33 of the front panel 31.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment
00 denotes an opening 32b of the front panel 31 as an accessory.
Is provided with a closing member 39 that can close the opening. As shown in FIG. 5, the closing member 39 is a light-shielding plate-shaped member formed into a shape that can be fitted into the opening 32 b of the protruding portion 32 from the rear surface side of the front panel 31. Surface 39a
Are configured to be flush with the surface of the front panel 31. The closing member 39 includes the lens member 53 described above.
Grooves 54, 54 and switch mounting holes 5
5, 55 and the like are omitted, and identification information (for example, characters, symbols, characters, and the like) that allows the type of the gaming machine to be identified is written on the front end exposed surface 39a. By attaching the closing member 39 to the ball lending operation unit attaching portion 33 in this way, the upper plate unit 30 can be used for a cash machine.

As described above, according to the pachinko gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, the ball lending operation section 40 is provided on the front surface of the projection 32 projecting forward.
The position of the ball lending operation unit 40 is easy to understand, and the ball lending operation is easy to perform. Moreover, since the upper surface 32a of the protruding portion 32 is an inclined surface, it is possible to prevent the ball from getting on the protruding portion 32 and staying there.

Since the ball lending operation section 40 is provided with the grooves 54, 54 as guides, the operation positions of the ball lending switch 41 and the card return switch 42 can be easily understood, and the switches 41, 42 can be quickly operated. can do. Since the ball lending switch 41 and the card return switch 42 are provided so as to protrude from the bottom surface of each groove 54, the switches 41 and 42 can be easily pressed. Further, since the colors of the ball lending switch 41 and the card return switch 42 are different, the ball lending switch 41
And the card return switch 42 can be easily distinguished, and mistakes in pressing the switches 41 and 42 can be reduced.

Further, since the ball lending switch 41, the card return switch 42, the remaining frequency display 43, and the ball lending display 44 are unitized, attachment of these parts becomes easy. In addition, it is possible to exchange or reuse only the ball rental operation unit 40A. Further, as an alternative to the ball-lending operation unit 40A, the closing member 39 is attached to the ball-lending operation unit mounting portion 3.
3 so that the so-called cash machine and CR machine can use the upper plate unit 30 in common. Therefore, the production management and the like of the upper plate unit 30 are facilitated, and the production cost of the upper plate unit 30 can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the ball riding prevention portion is constituted by making the upper surface 32a of the projecting portion 32 an inclined surface.
Blocks convex to a (for example, pillars, cones, walls, etc.)
It is also possible to protrude and to constitute a ball riding prevention section by the block. Further, in this embodiment, the inclined surface is a curved surface that is inclined downward toward the front and at the same time, is inclined downward toward the left and right sides from the center. However, the inclined surface inclined in the other direction (for example, A slope inclined downward toward one side, a slope inclined downward toward both ends with a middle part in the left-right direction as a vertex, and the like, and the inclined surface is not a curved surface but a flat surface. Is also good.
Further, in this embodiment, as the protruding portion, the substantially elliptical column-shaped protruding portion 32 is exemplified. However, if the protruding portion protrudes forward, for example, the protruding portion may have any shape such as a truncated cone. Department. Further, in this embodiment, the guide portion is configured by the groove portion 54. However, for example, the guide portion may be configured by a protrusion. In this embodiment, each switch 4
The guides (grooves 54, 54) are provided for each of the first and second cards 42. For example, as shown in FIG. It is also possible to provide (groove 71). According to such a configuration, the guide portion is easily noticeable. In this embodiment, the operation unit 42a of the card return switch 42 and the operation unit 41a of the ball lending switch 41 are separately provided. However, for example, as shown in FIG. By using the switch 72 (that is, a switch of a type in which both ends swing back and forth with the middle portion as a fulcrum), the operation unit of the ball lending switch and the operation unit of the card return switch may be connected to each other. It is possible. According to such a configuration, the number of parts is reduced, and the work of assembling the switch can be reduced. Also,
The operability of the switch can also be improved. In the example of FIG. 6A, a guide unit that guides the operation position of the switch 72 is configured by the arrow 73 and the characters 74a and 74b (that is, identification information that can be visually identified).

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a ball lending operation unit provided in a pachinko gaming machine exemplified as a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship between each switch and each notification unit provided in the ball lending operation unit. Except for the parts unique to the second embodiment, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. In this second embodiment,
The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment has a ball-for-lending notification unit 81 for notifying that the ball-switching switch 41 has been turned on, and a return notification for notifying that the card-return switch 42 has been turned on. Means 82;
It has. Ball lending notification means 81 and return notification means 82
Are, for example, as shown in FIG.
Is constituted by an LED (light emitting device) provided inside or at the back of the device. Each of the switches 41 and 42 is formed of a light-transmitting material so that the light emitting state of the LED can be visually recognized from the outside. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the ball lending notification means 81 and the return notification means 82 are electrically connected to the discharge control device 83 via the decoration control device 85. The ejection control device 83 sends a control signal to the decoration control device 85, for example, when a detection signal from the card return switch detection unit 52 is input, and configures a return notification unit 82 as shown in FIG. When the LED is turned on and the prepaid card is returned from the card insertion slot 101, the LED is turned off. The discharge control device 83 is, for example,
When a detection signal is input from the ball-for-sale switch detection unit 51, a control signal is sent to the decoration control device 85 to turn on the LED constituting the ball-for-sale notification means 81, and the discharge device 84 starts discharging the ball for sale. At this time, control for turning off the LED is performed.

As described above, in the second embodiment,
The on-operation of each of the ball lending switch 41 and the card return switch 42 is notified by the ball lending notification unit 81 and the return notification unit 82, so that the on operation of the switches 41 and 42 is effective. The player can confirm whether or not there is. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from pressing the switches 41 and 42 by mistake during the waiting time from when the switches 41 and 42 are turned on to when the ball lending or the card return is executed. In addition, L inside each switch 41, 42 or on the back.
Since the ED constitutes the ball lending notification means 81 and the return notification means 82, it is easy for the player to recognize which switch the notification by each notification means corresponds to which switch.

In the present embodiment, the LED for notifying that the switches 41 and 42 have been turned on is illuminated or blinked as the notification means. However, for example, a speaker or a display device other than the LED may be used. It is also possible to constitute the notifying means by the device described above. For example, when the notification means is configured by the special symbol display device 4, the display control device 86 controls each of the switch detection units 51 and 52.
From the input of the detection signal from the time until the ball lending or the card return is executed, the special symbol display device, while not turning on the switches 41 and 42, so as not to disturb other displays. 4 is controlled to be displayed on the display screen. As a display method at this time, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10A, a method of displaying character information 91 such as “Return card” or “Discharge ball” on the display screen of the special symbol display device 4 or FIG.
As shown in (b), a predetermined character 92 appears on the display screen of the special symbol display device 4, and the character 92 is displayed.
And a method of counting down the remaining time 93 until the ball lending or the card return is executed. For example, as shown in FIG. 10C, a dialect or a language other than Japanese is used for the character information 91 displayed on the display screen of the special symbol display device 4, or an expression suitable for the image of the character is used. It may be.

The present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machines of the above embodiments, but includes, for example, other pachinko gaming machines, arranging ball gaming machines, ball-ball gaming machines such as sparrow ball gaming machines, and the like. Is also applicable. The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[0055]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the position of the ball lending operation section can be easily understood, and the ball lending operation can be easily performed. Further, it is possible to prevent the ball from staying on the protruding portion. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation positions of the ball lending switch and the card return switch can be easily understood, and the switches can be quickly operated. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the guide portion is easily noticeable.
According to the invention described in claim 4, it is easy to press the ball lending switch and the card return switch. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to distinguish between the ball lending switch and the card return switch, and it is possible to reduce erroneous pressing of the switches. According to the invention described in claim 6, it is possible to exchange or reuse only the ball rental operation unit. Also,
Mounting of the ball lending switch, the card return switch, the card information display and the ball lending display becomes easy, and the manufacturing cost of the upper unit can be reduced. Claim 7
According to the described invention, the cash unit and the CR machine can share the upper plate unit. Accordingly, the production management of the upper plate unit and the like become easier, and the production cost of the upper plate unit can be further reduced. According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the number of parts is reduced and the work of assembling the parts can be reduced. According to the invention described in claim 9, the player erroneously presses each switch many times from when the ball lending switch or the card return switch is turned on to when the ball lending or the card return is executed. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine exemplified as a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view around a ball lending operation unit provided in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an upper plate unit provided in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state where a closing member is attached instead of the ball lending operation unit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a modification of the ball lending operation unit in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a ball lending operation unit provided in a pachinko gaming machine exemplified as a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship between switches and notification means provided in the ball lending operation unit in FIG. 7;

9 is a timing chart showing the notification timing of return notification means provided in the ball lending operation unit of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of notification when the notification means is configured by a special symbol display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game board 4 Special symbol display device 30 Upper plate unit 31 Front panel 31A Cover portion 31B Upper plate portion 32 Projection portion 32b Opening 33 Ball lending operation unit attaching portion 35 Upper plate 39 Closing member 40 Ball lending operation portion 40A Ball lending operation Unit 41 Ball lending switch 42 Card return switch 43 Remaining frequency display (card information display) 44 Ball lending display 50 Operation panel board 51 Ball lending switch detector 52 Card return switch detector 53 Lens member 54 Groove (guide) 56 Decoration member 60 Base member 71 Groove part (guide part) 81 Ball lending notification means (notification means) 82 Return notification means (notification means) 100 Pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 100A Game machine body 100B Card type ball lending machine 101 Card insertion mouth

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine provided with a ball lending operation section for performing a ball lending operation, wherein the ball lending operation section is provided on a front surface of a protruding portion projecting forward, and a ball lending operation portion is provided on an upper surface of the protruding portion. A game machine provided with a ball riding prevention part for preventing a ball from riding and staying. 2. A ball lending operation unit, comprising: a card insertion slot into which a card for lending a ball can be inserted; a ball lending switch for requesting lending of a ball; The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a card return switch for requesting a return; and a guide unit for guiding operation positions of the ball lending switch and the card return switch. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein said guide section is provided so as to straddle between said ball lending switch and said card return switch. 4. The guide portion is formed by a groove formed on the front surface of the protrusion, and each of the ball lending switch and the card return switch is provided so as to protrude from the bottom of the groove. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: 5. The color change between the ball lending switch and the card return switch.
4. The gaming machine according to any one of 4. 6. An upper plate unit having an upper plate capable of storing a ball, a card insertion slot into which a ball lending card can be inserted, and a ball lending operation based on the insertion of the card into the card insertion slot. A ball lending operation unit for performing ball lending, a ball lending switch for requesting ball lending, and a card return switch for requesting a return of the card inserted into the card insertion slot. A game machine comprising: a card information display for displaying storage information of the card inserted into the card insertion slot; and a ball lending display for displaying whether or not a ball lending is possible. The upper plate unit has a front panel that constitutes a front portion thereof, the front panel includes an upper plate portion that covers the upper plate, and a cover portion that covers the periphery of the upper plate. , Projecting forward A projection is provided, and an opening is provided on the distal end surface of the projection,
A ball riding prevention unit is provided on an upper surface of the protruding portion to prevent a ball from getting on and staying, and a ball lending switch and the card return switch are provided on the back side of the cover portion through the opening. Can be operated and viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and the display of the card information display and the ball rental display can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine through the opening, and A gaming machine provided with a ball rental operation unit mounting portion to which an operation unit can be mounted. 7. The ball-lending operation unit mounting portion is capable of mounting a closing member capable of closing the opening in place of the ball-lending operation unit.
The gaming machine described. 8. An operation unit according to claim 1, wherein an operation unit of said ball rental switch and an operation unit of said card return switch are connected to each other so that each switch can be selectively operated. A gaming machine according to any of the above. 9. A card slot into which a card for ball lending can be inserted, a ball lending switch for requesting a ball lending, and a card return for requesting a return of the card inserted into the card slot. A game machine comprising: a switch, and a notifying unit for notifying that an on operation has been performed on each of the ball-lending switch and the card return switch, wherein the notifying unit is provided corresponding to each switch,
A gaming machine characterized in that the light emitting state is constituted by a light emitting device that can be visually recognized from the outside.