JP2004008491A

JP2004008491A - Game machine

Info

Publication number: JP2004008491A
Application number: JP2002166463A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Wataru Oshimi; 押見　渉
Original assignee: Sanyo Bussan Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sanyo Bussan Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-06-07
Filing date: 2002-06-07
Publication date: 2004-01-15

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can return a key from a key hole to a state wherein the key is comparatively easier to remove than a conventional way after the key inserted in the key hole has been turned. <P>SOLUTION: A locking device which locks an opening/closing member (a front surface frame or the like) of this game machine is equipped with a cylinder lock 50 operated by using a dedicated key, a cam 52 which can be integrally turned with the lock shaft 50a of the cylinder key, and a locking/unlocking mechanism (working member 30 or the like) which can switch a locking state and an unlocking state of the locking device in response to the movement of the cam 52. The cam 52 and the working member 30 are under an operation interconnecting relationship with a specified play. A returning spring 58 is provided between frame body 21 of the locking device and the cam 52, and the returning spring 58 works to forcibly return the cam 52 to a stand-by location or its vicinity where the key can be removed from the key hole of the cylinder lock after the cylinder lock 50 has been turned by the dedicated key. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は遊技機に関し、特に、鍵を用いて操作される錠を備えた遊技機に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般にパチンコ機等の遊技機には、様々な箇所に錠が取り付けられ、あるいは錠を利用した装置が設けられている。例えば、パチンコ機においては、遊技機前面の開閉部材たる前面枠（前面扉ともいう）やガラス枠を店員以外の者が無断で開放できないようにするための施錠装置が設けられている。かかる施錠装置としては、鍵で解錠操作されるシリンダ錠と、そのシリンダ錠に連動するカム（可動片）と、そのカムの動きに応じて当該施錠装置の施錠又は解錠の状態を切替え可能な施解錠機構とを具備するものが知られている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、従来の遊技機では、錠の鍵穴に鍵を差し込み鍵を回動操作した後でその錠から鍵を抜き取るためには、手で鍵を回動させて錠軸を正規の待機位置に戻すという操作を強いられることがあった。このため、遊技場の店員にとって、従来の遊技機に備え付けられた錠あるいは錠を利用した装置は鍵が抜き取りにくく扱いづらいものとなっていた。
【０００４】
本発明の目的は、錠の鍵穴に差し込んだ鍵を回動操作した後に、鍵穴から鍵を従来よりも比較的抜き取り易い状態に戻すことができる遊技機を提供することにある。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本欄では各請求項に記載の発明のほかに、本発明の更に好ましい態様や追加的構成要件についても列挙し、必要に応じて作用等に関する簡単な注釈を加える。尚、請求項１は下記手段１に対応する。
【０００６】
手段１（請求項１）．鍵を用いて操作される錠を備えた遊技機において、前記錠の鍵穴に鍵を差し込んで回動操作した後に、当該錠の状態を鍵穴から鍵を抜き取り可能な待機状態又はその待機状態に近い状態に強制復帰させるための復帰手段を設けたことを特徴とする遊技機。
【０００７】
手段１の遊技機によれば、錠の鍵穴に鍵を差し込んで回動操作した後、鍵を回動操作した手の力を緩めると、復帰手段が働いて、錠の状態が鍵穴から鍵を抜き取り可能な待機状態又はその待機状態に近い状態に強制復帰される。つまり本発明によれば、鍵の回動操作後、人の手を介さずに、鍵穴から鍵を従来よりも比較的抜き取り易い状態に戻すことができる。特に、前記待機状態に復帰させることで、鍵穴から鍵を楽に抜き取ることが可能となる。なお、鍵穴から鍵を抜き取り可能な待機状態とは、鍵穴に対して鍵を差し込み可能な状態でもある。また、待機状態に近い状態とは、あと僅かに鍵を微回動すれば、鍵穴から鍵を抜き取り可能な前記待機状態にいたらしめることができる状態をいう。
【０００８】
尚、この明細書において「錠」とは、扉などの部材の戸締りに用いられる狭義の錠に限定されるものではなく、鍵との組合せ使用により施錠及び解錠を行うことができる広い意味での機械部品（即ち広義の錠）を意味するものである。
【０００９】
手段２．上記手段１に記載の遊技機において、前記錠には、その錠の錠軸と共に一体回動可能な可動片が設けられ、その可動片と錠の支持体又は錠の本体との間に設けられたバネにより、前記復帰手段が構成されること。
【００１０】
手段２によれば、復帰手段としてバネを採用することにより、可動片及びそれと一体回動する錠軸を回動後位置から所定の待機位置又はその近傍に強制復帰させるための復帰手段を比較的安価に且つ簡素な機械要素で構成することができる。なお、前記バネとしては、例えばコイルバネがあげられる。
【００１１】
手段３．上記手段１又は２に記載の遊技機において、前記錠には、その錠の錠軸と共に一体回動可能な可動片が設けられ、その可動片と錠の支持体又は錠の本体との間において前記可動片が所定の待機位置から所定方向に回動した際に伸張可能に設けられたバネにより、前記復帰手段が構成されること。
【００１２】
手段３によれば、錠の鍵穴に鍵を差し込んで回動操作することにより、可動片が所定の待機位置から所定方向に回動した際に、錠の支持体又は錠の本体と可動片との間に設けられたバネが伸張される。この伸張に伴い、当該バネには元の長さに戻ろうとする復元力（バネ力）が生じ、この復元力が可動片を回動後位置から元の待機位置に戻そうとするモーメントを生み出す。即ち、錠の支持体又は錠の本体と可動片との間において可動片の回動時に伸張可能に設けられたバネは、可動片を所定の待機位置又はその近傍に強制復帰させる復帰手段として有効に機能する。尚、前記伸張可能なバネとしては、例えばコイルバネがあげられる。
【００１３】
手段４．上記手段３に記載の遊技機において、前記復帰手段としてのバネは、前記可動片が待機位置に配置された状態において、錠の錠軸と該バネの非可動片側端部とを結ぶ仮想線上に該バネの可動片側端部が位置するように設けられていること。
【００１４】
手段４によれば、錠の錠軸とバネの非可動片側端部とを結ぶ仮想線上に該バネの可動片側端部が位置するような設置状況下では、該バネにバネ力が働いていたとしても、可動片の回動軸たる錠軸周りでのモーメントは発生せず、可動片は回動しない（即ち待機位置に停止する）。なお、その場合バネは最短状態となる。可動片が待機位置から回動されると、バネが伸ばされ、その伸びを解消しようとする復元力（バネ力）が発生すると共に、バネの可動片側端部が錠の錠軸とバネの非可動片側端部とを結ぶ仮想線から外れることで、前記復元力に基づくモーメントが発生する。このモーメントは、可動片の回動方向にかかわらず可動片を回動後位置から待機位置に復帰させる方向に働き、可動片が待機位置に戻ったときに消滅する。この構成によれば、バネにより、可動片を待機位置に安定保持することと、回動後における可動片の強制復帰とが同時に達成される。
【００１５】
手段５．開閉部材及びその開閉部材を施錠する施錠装置を備えた遊技機において、前記施錠装置は、鍵を用いて操作される錠と、その錠の錠軸と共に一体回動可能な可動片と、その可動片に作動連結すると共に可動片の動きに応じて当該施錠装置の施錠又は解錠の状態を切替え可能な施解錠機構と、鍵による錠の回動操作後に前記可動片を錠の鍵穴から鍵を抜き取り可能な待機位置又はその近傍に強制復帰させるための復帰手段とを備えていることを特徴とする遊技機。
【００１６】
手段５の遊技機によれば、錠の鍵穴に鍵を差し込み回動操作することで、錠の錠軸と一緒に可動片が回動すると共に、その可動片の動きに応じた施解錠機構の切替え動作に基づき、施錠状態にある開閉部材が解錠される。解錠後、鍵を回動操作した手の力を緩めると、復帰手段が働いて、可動片及びそれと一体回動する錠軸が錠の鍵穴から鍵を抜き取り可能な待機位置又はその近傍に強制復帰される。つまり本発明によれば、鍵で開閉部材を解錠した後に手で鍵を元の待機位置に戻すという面倒な操作を殊更行わずとも、鍵穴から鍵を従来よりも比較的抜き取り易い状態に戻すことができる。特に、前記待機位置に復帰させることで、鍵穴から鍵を楽に抜き取ることが可能となる。なお、鍵穴から鍵を抜き取り可能な待機位置とは、鍵穴に対して鍵を差し込み可能な位置でもある。また、待機位置の近傍とは、あと僅かに鍵を微回動すれば、鍵穴から鍵を抜き取り可能な前記待機位置にいたらしめることができる位置をいう。
【００１７】
手段６．前記復帰手段は、施錠機構の枠体又は錠の本体と前記可動片との間に設けられたバネにより構成されることを特徴とする手段５に記載の遊技機。
【００１８】
手段６によれば、復帰手段としてバネを採用することにより、可動片及びそれと一体回動する錠軸を回動後位置から前記待機位置又はその近傍に強制復帰させるための復帰手段を比較的安価に且つ簡素な機械要素で構成することができる。なお、前記バネとしては、例えばコイルバネがあげられる。
【００１９】
手段７．前記復帰手段は、施錠機構の枠体又は錠の本体と前記可動片との間において、前記可動片が前記待機位置から所定方向に回動した際に伸張可能に設けられたバネにより構成されることを特徴とする手段５又は６に記載の遊技機。
【００２０】
手段７によれば、錠の鍵穴に鍵を差し込み回動操作することにより可動片が待機位置から所定方向に回動した際に、施錠機構の枠体又は錠の本体と可動片との間に設けられたバネが伸張される。この伸張に伴い、バネには元の長さに戻ろうとする復元力（バネ力）が生じ、この復元力が可動片を回動後位置から元の待機位置に戻そうとするモーメントを生み出す。即ち、施錠機構の枠体又は錠の本体と可動片との間において可動片の回動時に伸張可能に設けられたバネは、可動片を待機位置又はその近傍に強制復帰させる復帰手段として有効に機能する。尚、前記伸張可能なバネとしては、例えばコイルバネがあげられる。
【００２１】
手段８．前記復帰手段としてのバネは、前記可動片が待機位置に配置された状態において、錠の錠軸と該バネの非可動片側端部とを結ぶ仮想線上に該バネの可動片側端部が位置するように設けられていることを特徴とする手段７に記載の遊技機。
【００２２】
手段８によれば、錠の錠軸とバネの非可動片側端部とを結ぶ仮想線上に該バネの可動片側端部が位置するような設置状況下では、バネにバネ力が働いていたとしても、可動片の回動軸たる錠軸周りでのモーメントは発生せず、可動片は回動しない（即ち待機位置に停止する）。なお、その場合、バネは最短状態となる。可動片が待機位置から回動されると、バネが伸ばされ、その伸びを解消しようとする復元力（バネ力）が発生すると共に、バネの可動片側端部が錠の錠軸とバネの非可動片側端部とを結ぶ仮想線から外れることで、前記復元力に基づくモーメントが発生する。このモーメントは、可動片の回動方向にかかわらず可動片を回動後位置から待機位置に復帰させる方向に働き、可動片が待機位置に戻ったときに消滅する。この構成によれば、バネにより、可動片を待機位置に安定保持することと、回動後における可動片の強制復帰とが同時に達成される。
【００２３】
なお、手段７及び８において、「バネの一端部を係止するための係止部を可動片に設けると共に、バネの他端部を係止するための係止部を枠体又は錠の本体に設けること」は好ましい。
【００２４】
手段９．前記可動片と前記施解錠機構との作動連結関係は、可動片が前記待機位置に配置されるときに両者間に所定の遊びが確保されるように構築されていることを特徴とする手段５，６，７又は８に記載の遊技機。
【００２５】
手段９によれば、可動片が待機位置（錠の鍵穴に鍵を抜き差し可能な位置）に配置されるときに可動片と施解錠機構との間に所定の遊びが確保されるように可動片と施解錠機構との作動連結関係が構築されている。このため、施錠装置の組立てが容易になると共に可動片と施解錠機構との間の動作の円滑性が確保されるという利点がある反面、施解錠機構の動きが可動片に波及して可動片が自動的に前記待機位置に復帰するという作用を期待できない。故に、可動片と施解錠機構との間に所定の遊びが確保される場合には、復帰手段を設け、鍵による錠の回動操作後に可動片を錠の鍵穴から鍵を抜き取り可能な待機位置又はその近傍に強制復帰させることの技術的意義（又は技術的必要性）は大きい。
【００２６】
手段１０．前記遊技機は、前記開閉部材としての第１及び第２の開閉部材を備えており、前記可動片は、その動きに応じて前記施解錠機構と選択的に作動連結可能な第１腕部及び第２腕部を有し、前記施解錠機構は、可動片の第１腕部との作動連結時に第１開閉部材を解錠可能とする第１開閉部材用施解錠機構と、可動片の第２腕部との作動連結時に第２開閉部材を解錠可能とする第２開閉部材用施解錠機構とから構成されており、前記可動片が前記待機位置に配置されるときに、可動片の第１腕部と第１開閉部材用施解錠機構との間に所定の遊びが確保されると共に、可動片の第２腕部と第２開閉部材用施解錠機構との間にも所定の遊びが確保されるように、前記可動片と前記施解錠機構との作動連結関係が構築されていることを特徴とする手段５，６，７又は８に記載の遊技機。
【００２７】
手段１０によれば、鍵による錠の解錠操作に応じて可動片が作動し、可動片の第１腕部又は第２腕部が、施解錠機構を構成する第１開閉部材用施解錠機構又は第２開閉部材用施解錠機構と選択的に作動連結する。可動片の第１腕部が第１開閉部材用施解錠機構に作動連結するときには第１開閉部材が解錠可能となり、可動片の第２腕部が第２開閉部材用施解錠機構に作動連結するときには第２開閉部材が解錠可能となる。そして、可動片が待機位置（錠の鍵穴に鍵を抜き差し可能な位置）に配置されるときに、可動片の第１腕部と第１開閉部材用施解錠機構との間に所定の遊びが確保されると共に、可動片の第２腕部と第２開閉部材用施解錠機構との間にも所定の遊びが確保されるように、前記可動片と前記施解錠機構との作動連結関係が構築されている。このため、施錠装置の組立てが容易になると共に、可動片と第１開閉部材用及び第２開閉部材用施解錠機構との間の動作の円滑性が確保されるという利点がある反面、第１開閉部材用又は第２開閉部材用施解錠機構の動きが可動片に波及して可動片が自動的に前記待機位置に復帰するという作用を期待できない。故に、可動片と第１開閉部材用及び第２開閉部材用施解錠機構との間に所定の遊びが確保される場合には、復帰手段を設け、鍵による錠の回動操作後に可動片を錠の鍵穴から鍵を抜き取り可能な待機位置又はその近傍に強制復帰させることの技術的意義（又は技術的必要性）は大きい。
【００２８】
手段１１．上記手段２〜１０に記載の遊技機において、前記錠は、その正面側に前記鍵を差し込む鍵穴を有しており、前記可動片は当該錠の背面側に設けられていること。
【００２９】
手段１１によれば、可動片は錠の背面側に設けられているため、錠の正面側から可動片に対し直接不正な操作（例えば隙間から針金を差し込んで可動片を動かそうとするような操作）を試みようとしても、錠自体が邪魔になって可動片を操作することが極めて難しい。このため、防犯性が高められる。
【００３０】
なお、上記手段１〜１１において、「前記錠がシリンダ錠であること」は好ましい。また、可動片としては、後述するような「カム」を例示できる。
【００３１】
手段１２．手段１から手段１１のいずれかにおいて、前記遊技機はパチンコ機であること。中でも、パチンコ機の基本構成としては、操作ハンドルを備えており、そのハンドル操作に応じて遊技球を所定の遊技領域に発射させ、遊技球が遊技領域内の所定の位置に配置された作動口に入賞することを必要条件として表示装置における図柄の変動表示が開始すること、又、特別遊技状態発生中には遊技領域内の所定の位置に配置された入賞口が所定の態様で開放されて遊技球を入賞可能として、その入賞個数に応じた有価価値（景品球のみならず、磁気カードへの書込み等も含む）が付与されること等が挙げられる。上記パチンコ機には少なくとも、多数個の遊技球を取得できる遊技者に有利な状態である特別遊技状態（大当り状態）と、遊技球を消費する遊技者に不利な状態である通常遊技状態の二種類の遊技状態が存在する。
【００３２】
手段１３．手段１から手段１１のいずれかにおいて、前記遊技機はスロットマシンであること。中でも、スロットマシンの基本構成としては、「遊技状態に応じてその遊技状態を識別させるための複数の図柄からなる図柄列を変動表示した後に図柄を確定表示する表示装置を備え、始動用操作手段（例えば操作レバー）の操作に起因して図柄の変動が開始され、停止用操作手段（例えばストップボタン）の操作に起因して或いは所定時間経過することにより図柄の変動が停止され、その停止時の確定図柄が特定図柄であることを必要条件として遊技者に有利な特別遊技状態を発生させる特別遊技状態発生手段とを備えた遊技機」となる。この場合、遊技媒体は、コイン、メダル等が代表例として挙げられる。上記遊技機には少なくとも、多数個の遊技媒体を取得できる遊技者に有利な状態である特別遊技状態（大当り状態）と、遊技媒体を消費する遊技者に不利な状態である通常遊技状態の二種類の遊技状態が存在する。
【００３３】
手段１４．手段１から手段１１のいずれかにおいて、前記遊技機はパチンコ機とスロットマシンとを融合させた遊技機であること。中でも、前記融合させた遊技機の基本構成としては、「遊技状態に応じてその遊技状態を識別させるための複数の識別情報からなる図柄列を変動表示した後に図柄を確定表示する表示装置を備え、始動用操作手段（例えば操作レバー）の操作に起因して図柄の変動が開始され、停止用操作手段（例えばストップボタン）の操作に起因して或いは所定時間経過することにより図柄の変動が停止され、その停止時の確定図柄が特定図柄であることを必要条件として遊技者に有利な特別遊技状態を発生させる特別遊技状態発生手段とを備え、遊技媒体として遊技球を使用するとともに、前記識別情報の変動開始に際しては所定数の遊技球を必要とし、特別遊技状態の発生に際しては多くの遊技球が払い出されるよう構成されてなる遊技機」となる。上記遊技機には少なくとも、多数個の遊技球を取得できる遊技者に有利な状態である特別遊技状態（大当り状態）と、遊技球を消費する遊技者に不利な状態である通常遊技状態の二種類の遊技状態が存在する。
【００３４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に、本発明を遊技機としてのパチンコ機に具体化した一実施形態を図面を参照して説明する。図１及び図２に示すようにパチンコ機１０は、外枠１１と、前面枠１２（内枠ともいう）と、ガラス板が嵌め込まれたガラス枠１３と、遊技盤１４とを備えている。遊技盤１４は前面枠１２の内側（裏側）に組み付けられており、前面枠１２と遊技盤１４とが一体化して前面扉を構成している。前面枠１２は外枠１１の左側に設けられた上下一対のヒンジ部１５，１５を介して当該外枠１１に対し回動可能に取り付けられ、前面扉（１２，１４）は外枠１１に対して開閉可能となっている。また、ガラス枠１３は、上下一対の軸支部１６，１６により前面枠１２に対して開閉可能に支持されている。このパチンコ機１０では、前面枠１２が第１の開閉部材に相当し、ガラス枠１３が第２の開閉部材に相当する。
【００３５】
なお、前面枠１２及び遊技盤１４によって構成されるパチンコ機の正面は、その略上半部を占めるガラス枠１３で区画された遊技盤領域と、略下半部を占めると共に前面枠１２に造作された操作領域とに区分される。遊技盤領域には、表示装置、大小様々の入賞口、風車、ランプ、スピーカ、その他の遊技性を高めるための器具や装置（いずれも図示略）が設けられている。他方、操作領域には、弾発のための発射操作ハンドル１７、打球供給皿としての上受け皿１８、余剰玉受皿としての下受け皿１９、その他の器具や装置が設けられている。
【００３６】
前面枠１２の裏面の片側には、縦長の施錠装置２０が設けられている。この施錠装置２０は、前面枠１２が閉じられたときに前面枠１２を外枠１１に係止して開放不能とするための前面枠用施解錠機構（第１開閉部材用施解錠機構）と、ガラス枠１３が閉じられたときにガラス枠１３を前面枠１２に係止して開放不能とするためのガラス枠用施解錠機構（第２開閉部材用施解錠機構）とを備えた前面枠及びガラス枠両用の施錠装置である。なお、外枠１１の右側内部には、前面枠１２の施錠に関与する被係止部として、上下一対の受け金具１１ａ，１１ｂが固定されている。各受け金具は例えば高剛性の金属板を曲げ形成したものである。同様に前面枠１２及び／又はガラス枠１３には、ガラス枠１３の施錠に関与する被係止部又は被係止機構（図示略）が設けられている。
【００３７】
図３は横倒し状態の施錠装置２０を示し、図４及び図５はその施錠装置２０の主要部を拡大して示す。施錠装置２０は、パチンコ機への取付時に上下方向（図３〜図５では左右方向）に延びる枠体２１を備えている。支持体としての枠体２１は長尺な金属板をほぼ直角に曲げてアングル状（横断面Ｌ字状）に板金加工したものであり、互いに略直交する第１取付け板２２と第２取付け板２３とを有している。この枠体の第１取付け板２２に対しシリンダ錠５０を取付けると共に、第２取付け板２３に対し作動部材３０や上下一対の鉤部材４１Ａ，４１Ｂ等を取り付けることで施錠装置２０が構成されている。
【００３８】
作動部材３０は、枠体２１の長手方向に沿って延びる長尺な板状部材であり、第２取付け板２３に沿ってスライド可能に設けられている。作動部材３０の第２取付け板２３に沿ったスライドは、専用の鍵Ｋによるシリンダ錠５０の解錠操作に基づくものであり、この点については後ほど詳述する。
【００３９】
作動部材３０の両端部近傍には、前記上側の受け金具１１ａと係合可能な上側（図３では右側）の鉤部材４１Ａと、前記下側の受け金具１１ｂと係合可能な下側（図３では左側）の鉤部材４１Ｂとが、枠体の第２取付け板２３に沿ってスライド可能に設けられている。上側の鉤部材４１Ａに着目して更に詳しく説明すると、図５に示すように、上側鉤部材４１Ａの一側面にはガイドピン４２が突設され、そのガイドピン４２は第２取付け板２３に形成されたガイド溝２４内に係入している。ガイド溝２４の幅（高さ）はガイドピン４２の軸部の径にほぼ等しいが、ガイドピン４２の頭部は軸部よりも大径化されており、その大径頭部が第２取付け板２３の一側面に接触摺動する構成となっている。このため、上側鉤部材４１Ａは、第２取付け板２３に対し平行状態を保ちながら前記ガイド溝２４の範囲内でスライド可能となっている。
【００４０】
図４及び図５に示すように、上側鉤部材４１Ａの一側面に突設されたフック部４３と、枠体の第１取付け板２２に突設されたフック部２５との間にはコイルバネ４４が架設されている。このコイルバネ４４は、上側鉤部材４１Ａ及びガイドピン４２を枠体２１の上端に向けて常時付勢するが、ガイドピン４２がガイド溝２４の上端部（図５では右端部）に当接することで上側鉤部材４１Ａのそれ以上の上動が規制される。これにより、上側鉤部材４１Ａが上側受け金具１１ａと係合する施錠位置（図４の実線位置）に位置決めされる。
【００４１】
また、第２取付け板２３と上側鉤部材４１Ａとの間には、作動部材３０の上端部が進入配置されている。その作動部材３０の上端部には、ガイドピン４２の軸部を収容する逃げ溝３１が形成されており、通常時（上側鉤部材４１Ａが施錠位置にあるとき）には、ガイドピン４２は逃げ溝３１の上端部（図５では右端部）に位置する。この逃げ溝３１は、作動部材３０を図５の待機位置から所定量上動（図５では右移動）させる場合（図６（Ａ）参照）には、ガイドピン４２等によって作動部材３０の上動が阻害されないようにする一方で、作動部材３０を図５の待機位置から所定量下動（図５では左移動）させる場合（図６（Ｂ）参照）には、ガイドピン４２と逃げ溝３１の上端部との係合関係に基づき、コイルバネ４４の弾性に抗して作動部材３０と共に上側鉤部材４１Ａを下動させるための機械構造を提供する。下側の鉤部材４１Ｂの構造も、上側の鉤部材４１Ａとほぼ同様の構造となっている。
【００４２】
即ち、上側及び下側の鉤部材４１Ａ，４１Ｂは、作動部材３０が上動する場合には、作動部材３０から何の影響も受けず作動部材３０の上動を無条件に許容するが、作動部材３０が下動する場合には、作動部材３０と一緒に下動して施錠位置（図５参照）から解錠位置（図６（Ｂ）参照）にスライド変位し、それぞれ対応する受け金具１１ａ，１１ｂとの係合関係を同時に解除するというような選択的作動連結関係を作動部材３０との間に構築している。
【００４３】
図３に示すように、枠体２１の略中央部及び下端部並びに作動部材３０の略中央部及び下端部には、ガラス枠１３の施錠又は解錠に関与する一対のガラス枠用係合機構３３，３３が設けられている。各ガラス枠用係合機構３３は、作動部材３０の一側面に突設されたガイドピンを係入するためのガイド溝（兼逃げ溝）が形成された摺動体３３ａと、その摺動体３３ａを下向き方向に付勢するコイルバネ３３ｂとを少なくとも具備している。ガラス枠用係合部としての摺動体３３ａは、前面枠１２及び／又はガラス枠１３に設けられたガラス枠１３を施錠又は解錠するための機構（周知ゆえ説明を省略）と、作動部材３０とを機械的に連動させるための部材であり、作動部材３０の上下動に伴う摺動体３３ａの位置変化に応じて、ガラス枠１３の施錠又は解錠の状態が切り替わる。
【００４４】
また、前記ガラス枠用係合機構３３は、作動部材３０を選択的に付勢するための選択的付勢機構としての働きも兼ねている。即ち、各ガラス枠用係合機構（選択的付勢機構）３３は、作動部材３０が下動する場合には作動部材３０に対し何の影響も及ぼさず作動部材３０の下動を無条件に許容するが、作動部材３０が上動する場合には、作動部材３０を元位置（待機位置）に復帰させる方向（図３の左方向）への付勢作用を及ぼすという働きをする。
【００４５】
なお、専用鍵Ｋでシリンダ錠５０が操作されないときに（通常時に）、作動部材３０が図３及び図５に示す待機位置に安定的に保持されるのは、各コイルバネ４４により上向き付勢される上側鉤部材４１Ａ及び下側鉤部材４１Ｂ、並びに、各コイルバネ３３ｂにより下向き付勢される一対のガラス枠用係合機構（選択的付勢機構）３３，３３に対して作動部材３０が都合４本のガイドピンを介して係合することで、作動部材３０の待機位置が一義的に決定されることによるものである。そして、作動部材３０に外力を及ぼして作動部材３０を待機位置から上動させようとすると、一対のガラス枠用係合機構（選択的付勢機構）３３，３３に付属する二つのコイルバネ３３ｂが作動部材３０を元位置（待機位置）に戻そうとする。他方、作動部材３０を待機位置から下動させようとすると、上側及び下側の鉤部材４１Ａ，４１Ｂに割り当てられた二つのコイルバネ４４が作動部材３０を元位置（待機位置）に戻そうとする。
【００４６】
図４及び図５に示すように、枠体２１の上端寄り位置において枠体の第１取付け板２２には、シリンダ錠５０が設けられている。特に図４に示すように、第１取付け板２２には、シリンダ錠用の一対の取付支持部２６，２６が所定間隔を隔てて突設されている。また、シリンダ錠５０の背面側（鍵穴と反対側）には取付フランジ５１が一体化されている。この取付フランジ５１を前記一対の取付支持部２６，２６に載せてからネジ２７で各取付支持部２６に固定することにより、シリンダ錠５０が枠体２１に対して固着されている。
【００４７】
シリンダ錠５０の背面側に突出した錠軸５０ａには、可動片としてのカム５２が一体回動可能に取付けられている。特に図５に示すように、カム５２は、第１腕部５４及び第２腕部５５を有しており、錠軸５０ａを中心とした両腕部５４，５５間の角度は約８０度に設定されている。他方、作動部材３０には、カムの第１腕部５４と係合可能な第１係合溝３４及びカムの第２腕部５５と係合可能な第２係合溝３５が形成されている。専用鍵Ｋによるシリンダ錠５０の操作に応じ、カム５２は、時計方向（図６（Ａ）参照）又は反時計方向（図６（Ｂ）参照）に回動する。カム５２が所定方向に所定量回動すると、第１腕部５４又は第２腕部５５がそれぞれ対応する第１係合溝３４又は第２係合溝３５に進入すると共に、進入した溝の一端部に係合して作動部材３０を特定方向に押して移動させる。
【００４８】
尚、図５に示すように、錠軸５０ａ及びカム５２が正規の待機位置に配置されているとき、カム５２の第１腕部５４及び第２腕部５５のいずれも、対応する第１係合溝３４及び第２係合溝３５とは係合しておらず、各腕部と係合溝端部との間には遊び（若干の隙間）が存在する。この遊びは、施錠装置２０の組立てを容易にすると共に、作動部材３０とカム５２との間の動作の円滑性を確保する目的で意図的に確保されたものである。
【００４９】
更に図４及び図５に示すように、シリンダ錠５０の近傍において枠体の第１取付け板２２上には支柱２８が立設され、その支柱２８の先端（上端）には、バネの一端部を係止するためのフック部２９が形成されている。また、カム５２の上面には、バネの他端部を係止するためのフック部５３が設けられている。このフック部５３は、カム５２が図５に示す待機位置（シリンダ錠５０が専用鍵Ｋで操作されないときの位置）に配置されているときに、錠軸５０ａの中心軸線ｘと前記支柱２８のフック部２９とを真っ直ぐ結ぶ仮想線上にフック部５３が位置し得るように位置決めされている。
【００５０】
そして、支柱２８のフック部２９（枠体側のバネ用係止部）とフック部５３（カム側のバネ用係止部）との間には、復帰手段としての復帰バネ５８が架設されている。復帰バネ５８は、好ましくはコイルバネである。復帰バネ５８は、その両端部をフック部２９及び５３にそれぞれ係止させたとき、同バネが縮む方向に付勢力を及ぼす。そして、図５に示す待機位置にカム５２が配置されているときに、両フック部２９，５３間に設けられた復帰バネ５８の長さが最短となる。シリンダ錠５０を操作してカム５２を図５の待機位置から時計方向又は反時計方向のいずれに回動しても、復帰バネ５８は、カム５２の回動に伴って伸ばされる。復帰バネ５８が伸張されるに従い、復帰バネ５８には元の長さに戻ろうとする復元力が蓄力される。その復元力は、シリンダ錠５０を操作する外力（即ち鍵Ｋを回す手の力）が消滅したときに、カム５２を図５の待機位置に復帰させるモーメントを生み出す。
【００５１】
カム５２が図５の待機位置に復帰した後も復帰バネ５８には一定の収縮力が働き続けるが、図５の状態では、復帰バネ５８の伸縮方向軸線が、錠軸５０ａの中心軸線ｘと前記支柱のフック部２９とを結ぶ仮想線に一致するため、復帰バネ５８に収縮力が作用し続けても、カム５２を待機位置から更に回動させようとするモーメントは生じない。つまりシリンダ錠５０を操作する外力が働かなければ、復帰バネ５８の作用によってカム５２及び錠軸５０ａは図５の待機位置に安定的に保持される。
【００５２】
なお、図面における線の交錯・複雑化を避けるため、図３には、支柱２８、フック部２９、カム上のフック部５３及び復帰バネ５８を図示していない。
【００５３】
次に、施錠装置２０の作用等について説明する。
前面枠１２及びガラス枠１３が完全に閉じられると共にシリンダ錠５０の鍵穴に対して専用鍵Ｋが差し込まれていない施錠状態においては、作動部材３０もカム５２も図５に示す待機位置に配置される。この状態では、上側及び下側の鉤部材４１Ａ，４１Ｂがそれぞれ対応する受け金具１１ａ，１１ｂと係合して前面枠１２が開放不能になると共に、ガラス枠用係合部としての摺動体３３ａ，３３ａが施錠位置に配置されてガラス枠１３も開放不能となっている。また、復帰バネ５８は前述のような最短状態にあり、この復帰バネ５８によってカム５２及び錠軸５０ａは正規の待機位置に保持され、シリンダ錠５０の鍵穴に対して専用鍵Ｋを円滑に抜き差し可能となっている。
【００５４】
上記の施錠状態からガラス枠１３を解錠したい場合には、シリンダ錠５０の鍵穴に専用鍵Ｋを差し込み、その専用鍵Ｋをパチンコ機１０の正面（図１参照）から見て左方向（反時計方向）に回動する。すると、図６（Ａ）に示すように、カム５２が時計方向に回動して、カムの第２腕部５５が作動部材の第２係合溝３５に進入すると共に第２係合溝３５の上端部（図６では右端部）に当接する。更にカム５２が時計方向に回動されるに従い、第２腕部５５によって作動部材３０が押されながら上方向（図６では右方向）に移動する。図６（Ａ）はカム５２を時計方向に約４０度回動した状態を示す。カム５２を時計方向に約４０度回動することで、作動部材３０が所定距離だけ上動し、それに伴いガラス枠用係合部としての摺動体３３ａ，３３ａも同じ距離だけ上方に変位してガラス枠１３が解錠される。
【００５５】
ガラス枠１３が解錠された時点で鍵Ｋを操作する手の力を緩めると、作動部材３０の上動時に蓄力された両選択的付勢機構３３のコイルバネ３３ｂのバネ力により、作動部材３０が元位置（待機位置）に強制復帰される。これに伴い、作動部材３０がカムの第２腕部５５を押してカム５２を待機位置付近にまで回動させるが、作動部材３０はカム５２を図５に示す正規の待機位置に完全復帰させるまでには到らない。作動部材３０が元位置に復帰した瞬間は、カムの第２腕部５５と第２係合溝３５の端部とは接触状態にあるが、その後は、復帰バネ５８のバネ力によってカム５２が反時計方向に更に微回動され、カムの第２腕部５５が作動部材の第２係合溝３５から離脱する。そして第２腕部５５と第２係合溝３５との係合関係を解消しながら、カム５２は図５に示す正規の待機位置に完全復帰し、そこで停止する。その結果、シリンダ錠５０の鍵穴から専用鍵Ｋを円滑に抜き取ることが可能となる。
【００５６】
他方、上記の施錠状態から前面枠１２を解錠したい場合には、シリンダ錠５０の鍵穴に専用鍵Ｋを差し込み、その専用鍵Ｋをパチンコ機１０の正面（図１参照）から見て右方向（時計方向）に回動する。すると、図６（Ｂ）に示すように、カム５２が反時計方向に回動して、カムの第１腕部５４が作動部材の第１係合溝３４に進入すると共に第１係合溝３４の下端部（図６では左端部）に当接する。更にカム５２が反時計方向に回動されるに従い、第１腕部５４によって作動部材３０が押されながら下方向（図６では左方向）に移動する。作動部材３０の下動に伴い、逃げ溝３１の端部によってガイドピン４２と一緒に上側鉤部材４１Ａが押し下げられる。同様に、作動部材３０の下動に伴って下側鉤部材４１Ｂも押し下げられる。尚、図６（Ｂ）はカム５２を反時計方向に約４０度回動した状態を示す。カム５２を反時計方向に約４０度回動することで、作動部材３０が所定距離だけ下動し、それに伴い上側及び下側鉤部材４１Ａ，４１Ｂも同じ距離だけ下方に変位して、それぞれ対応する受け金具１１ａ，１１ｂとの係合が解除され前面枠１２が解錠される。
【００５７】
前面枠１２が解錠された時点で鍵Ｋを操作する手の力を緩めると、作動部材３０の下動時に蓄力された上側及び下側鉤部材４１Ａ，４１Ｂのコイルバネ４４のバネ力により、作動部材３０が元位置（待機位置）に強制復帰される。これに伴い、作動部材３０がカムの第１腕部５４を押してカム５２を待機位置付近にまで回動させるが、作動部材３０はカム５２を図５に示す正規の待機位置に完全復帰させるまでには到らない。作動部材３０が元位置に復帰した瞬間は、カムの第１腕部５４と第１係合溝３４の端部とは接触状態にあるが、その後は、復帰バネ５８のバネ力によってカム５２が時計方向に更に微回動され、カムの第１腕部５４が作動部材の第１係合溝３４から離脱する。そして第１腕部５４と第１係合溝３４との係合関係を解消しながら、カム５２は図５に示す正規の待機位置に完全復帰し、そこで停止する。その結果、シリンダ錠５０の鍵穴から専用鍵Ｋを円滑に抜き取ることが可能となる。
【００５８】
以下に本実施形態の効果を述べるが、その前に従来のパチンコ機用の施錠装置の問題点（欠点）について簡単に指摘する。従来のパチンコ機用施錠装置では、シリンダ錠の鍵穴に専用鍵を差し込み、その鍵を例えば右に回せば前面枠が解錠され、左に回せばガラス枠が解錠されるといった設計となっている。手で鍵を右又は左に回した後に手の力を緩めると、施解錠機構が備えるバネの力によって施解錠機構が待機状態（前面枠等の施錠状態）に戻ろうとし、その反作用でカム及びシリンダ錠の錠軸も最初の位置（鍵を右又は左に回動操作する前の待機位置）に戻ろうとする。ところが、前記カムと施解錠機構との間の作動連結関係は実際にはそれほどタイトなものではなく、動作の円滑性を確保する等の理由から一定の遊びを持たせる設計がむしろ普通となっている。このような遊びがあるために鍵を操作する手の力を緩めた際に施解錠機構が待機状態に戻ろうとするときの反作用でカム及びシリンダ錠の錠軸が最初の位置（待機位置）に戻ろうとする場合であっても、前記カム及びシリンダ錠の錠軸が正規の待機位置まで完全復帰するとは限らない。カム及び錠軸が正規の待機位置まで戻らなければシリンダ錠の鍵穴から鍵を抜き取ることができないため、最終的には店員が手で鍵を回動させて錠軸を正規の待機位置に戻す必要があった。
【００５９】
この点、本実施形態によれば、作動部材３０とカム５２との間に一定の遊びを確保しながら施錠装置２０が組み立てられているにもかかわらず、カム５２用の復帰バネ５８の作用により、専用鍵Ｋを回動操作した後の手の力を緩めるだけでカム５２及び錠軸５０ａを正規の待機位置に即座に且つ正確に復帰させることができる。このため、本実施形態のパチンコ機には、従来例について指摘したような欠点が無い。即ち、鍵Ｋを右又は左に回動操作した後でシリンダ錠５０から鍵Ｋを抜き取るために、店員が手で鍵Ｋを回動させてカム５２及びシリンダ錠の錠軸５０ａを正規の待機位置に戻すという回動操作を強いられることがなく、鍵穴から鍵Ｋを楽に抜き取ることができる。それ故、遊技場の店員にとって、解錠及び施錠の操作がスムーズに行えて扱いやすい遊技機となっている。
【００６０】
また、本実施形態の復帰バネ５８は、カム５２が待機位置に配置された状態において、シリンダ錠の錠軸５０ａと該バネの枠体側端部（非カム側端部＝非可動片側端部）とを結ぶ仮想線上に該バネのカム側端部（可動片側端部）が位置し得るように設けられている。かかる設置状況下では、復帰バネ５８にバネ力が働いていたとしても、カム５２の回動軸たる錠軸周りでのモーメントは発生せず、カムは回動しない（即ち待機位置に停止する）。他方、カム５２が待機位置から回動されると、復帰バネ５８が伸ばされ、その伸びを解消しようとする復元力（バネ力）が発生すると共に、復帰バネ５８のカム側端部がシリンダ錠の錠軸５０ａと復帰バネ５８の枠体側端部とを結ぶ仮想線から外れることで、前記復元力に基づくモーメントが発生する。このモーメントは、カム５２の回動方向にかかわらずカム５２を回動後位置から待機位置に復帰させる方向に働き、カム５２が待機位置に戻ったときに消滅する。つまり本実施形態によれば、復帰バネ５８を設けたことで、カム５２を待機位置に安定的に保持することと、回動後におけるカム５２の強制復帰とを同時に達成することができる。
【００６１】
（変更例）本発明の実施形態を以下のように変更してもよい。
・正規の待機位置にあるカム５２に対して復帰バネ５８を図７に示すような位置（即ちカムの両腕部５４，５５間を二等分する対称線に沿った位置）に配置してもよい。この場合も、シリンダ錠の錠軸５０ａと復帰バネ５８の枠体側端部とを結ぶ仮想線（即ち前記対称線）上に当該復帰バネのカム側端部が位置する。
【００６２】
・復帰バネ５８の数は１つに限定されるものではなく、図８に示すように、カム５２に対して複数の復帰バネ５８（図８では二つ）を設けてもよい。この場合も各復帰バネ５８について、シリンダ錠の錠軸５０ａと復帰バネ５８の枠体側端部とを結ぶ仮想線上に当該復帰バネのカム側端部が位置することが好ましい。
【００６３】
・本発明を、パチンコ機以外の遊技機（例えば、スロットマシンや、パチンコ機とスロットマシンとの融合機）に適用してもよい。また、本発明の適用対象は施錠装置に限定されるものではなく、遊技機に取り付けられる錠や、遊技機に設けられるその他の「錠を利用した装置」に本発明を適用してもよい。
【００６４】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述したように本発明の遊技機によれば、錠の鍵穴に差し込んだ鍵を回動操作した後に、鍵穴から鍵を従来よりも比較的抜き取り易い状態に戻すことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】遊技機としてのパチンコ機の概略正面図。
【図２】遊技機としてのパチンコ機の概略右側面図。
【図３】施錠装置（横倒し状態）の正面図。
【図４】施錠装置のシリンダ錠付近を拡大して示す部分正面図。
【図５】施錠装置のシリンダ錠付近を拡大して示す部分平面図。
【図６】施錠装置の解錠操作時の動作を示す図５相当の図であって、（Ａ）はガラス枠解錠時の部分平面図、（Ｂ）は前面枠解錠時の部分平面図。
【図７】変更例に関する図５相当の部分平面図。
【図８】変更例に関する図５相当の部分平面図。
【符号の説明】
１０…パチンコ機（遊技機）、１２…前面枠（第１の開閉部材）、１３…ガラス枠（第２の開閉部材）、２０…施錠装置、２１…枠体（錠の支持体）、２９…枠体側のフック部（バネ用係止部）、３０…作動部材、３３…ガラス枠用係合機構（３０及び３３は第２開閉部材用の施解錠機構を構成する）、４１Ａ，４１Ｂ…上側及び下側の鉤部材（３０，４１Ａ及び４１Ｂは第１開閉部材用の施解錠機構を構成する）、５０…シリンダ錠（錠）、５０ａ…錠軸、５２…カム（可動片）、５３…カム側のフック部（バネ用係止部）、５４…カムの第１腕部、５５…カムの第２腕部、５８…復帰バネ（復帰手段）、Ｋ…シリンダ錠の専用鍵。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine provided with a lock operated using a key.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with locks at various locations or devices using the locks. For example, a pachinko machine is provided with a locking device for preventing a person other than a store clerk from opening a front frame (also referred to as a front door) or a glass frame as an opening / closing member on the front of the gaming machine without permission. As such a locking device, a cylinder lock operated by a key, a cam (movable piece) interlocked with the cylinder lock, and a locking or unlocking state of the locking device can be switched according to the movement of the cam. And a lock / unlock mechanism.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a conventional gaming machine, in order to insert a key into a keyhole of a lock and rotate the key and then remove the key from the lock, the key is rotated by hand to return the lock shaft to a normal standby position. Operation was sometimes forced. For this reason, locks or devices using locks provided in conventional gaming machines have been difficult for clerks at amusement arcades to remove the key because they are difficult to remove.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of returning a key from a keyhole to a state where it is relatively easy to remove the key after rotating the key inserted into the keyhole of the lock.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In this section, in addition to the inventions described in the claims, further preferred embodiments and additional constitutional requirements of the present invention are listed, and if necessary, brief notes on the operation and the like are added. Incidentally, claim 1 corresponds to the following means 1.
[0006]
Means 1 (Claim 1). In a gaming machine equipped with a lock operated by using a key, after inserting a key into a keyhole of the lock and rotating the lock, the state of the lock is close to a standby state in which the key can be extracted from the keyhole or close to the standby state. A gaming machine provided with a return means for forcibly returning to a state.
[0007]
According to the gaming machine of Means 1, after inserting the key into the keyhole of the lock and rotating the key, if the force of the hand that rotated the key is loosened, the return means operates and the state of the lock changes the key from the keyhole. It is forcibly returned to a standby state in which it can be extracted or a state close to the standby state. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to return the key from the keyhole to a state in which it is relatively easy to remove the key from the keyhole without the intervention of a human hand after the rotation operation of the key. In particular, by returning to the standby state, the key can be easily extracted from the keyhole. Note that the standby state in which the key can be extracted from the keyhole is also a state in which the key can be inserted into the keyhole. The state close to the standby state refers to a state where the key can be slightly rotated slightly to bring the key to the standby state where the key can be removed from the keyhole.
[0008]
In this specification, the term "lock" is not limited to a narrowly-defined lock used for closing a member such as a door, but has a broad meaning that locking and unlocking can be performed by using a combination with a key. (I.e., locks in a broad sense).
[0009]
Means 2. In the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the lock is provided with a movable piece that is integrally rotatable with a lock shaft of the lock, and is provided between the movable piece and a lock support or a lock body. The return means is constituted by a spring.
[0010]
According to the means 2, by employing a spring as the return means, the return means for forcibly returning the movable piece and the lock shaft which rotates integrally with the movable piece from the post-rotation position to the predetermined standby position or in the vicinity thereof is relatively provided. Inexpensive and simple mechanical elements can be used. The spring is, for example, a coil spring.
[0011]
Means 3. In the gaming machine according to the above means 1 or 2, the lock is provided with a movable piece which is integrally rotatable together with a lock shaft of the lock, and a movable piece is provided between the movable piece and the lock support or the lock body. The return means is constituted by a spring provided so as to be extendable when the movable piece rotates from a predetermined standby position in a predetermined direction.
[0012]
According to the means 3, by inserting the key into the keyhole of the lock and rotating the lock, when the movable piece rotates in the predetermined direction from the predetermined standby position, the lock support or the main body of the lock and the movable piece The spring provided between them is extended. Along with this extension, a restoring force (spring force) for returning the spring to its original length is generated, and this restoring force generates a moment for returning the movable piece from the post-rotation position to the original standby position. . That is, a spring provided between the movable body and the support of the lock or between the movable body and the movable piece when the movable piece is rotated is effective as a return means for forcibly returning the movable piece to a predetermined standby position or its vicinity. To work. The extendable spring is, for example, a coil spring.
[0013]
Means 4. In the gaming machine described in the means 3, the spring as the return means is provided on an imaginary line connecting the lock shaft of the lock and a non-movable one-side end of the spring when the movable piece is disposed at the standby position. The spring is provided such that one end of the movable side is located.
[0014]
According to the means 4, the spring force acts on the spring under the installation condition in which the movable one-side end of the spring is located on an imaginary line connecting the lock shaft of the lock and the non-movable one-side end of the spring. However, no moment is generated around the lock axis, which is the rotation axis of the movable piece, and the movable piece does not rotate (ie, stops at the standby position). In this case, the spring is in the shortest state. When the movable piece is rotated from the standby position, the spring is stretched, a restoring force (spring force) for canceling the extension is generated, and the movable one side end of the spring is connected to the lock shaft of the lock and the non-lock of the spring. A moment based on the restoring force is generated by deviating from an imaginary line connecting the movable one side end. This moment acts in a direction to return the movable piece from the post-rotation position to the standby position regardless of the rotation direction of the movable piece, and disappears when the movable piece returns to the standby position. According to this configuration, the movable piece is stably held at the standby position and the forced return of the movable piece after the rotation is simultaneously achieved by the spring.
[0015]
Means 5. In a gaming machine provided with an opening / closing member and a locking device for locking the opening / closing member, the locking device includes a lock operated by using a key, a movable piece that can rotate integrally with a lock shaft of the lock, and a movable member. A locking and unlocking mechanism that is operatively connected to the piece and that can switch the locking or unlocking state of the locking device in accordance with the movement of the movable piece, and that the movable piece is moved from the keyhole of the lock to the key after the key is rotated by the key. A gaming machine comprising: a return means for forcibly returning to a standby position at which extraction is possible or a vicinity thereof.
[0016]
According to the gaming machine of Means 5, by inserting the key into the keyhole of the lock and rotating it, the movable piece rotates together with the lock shaft of the lock, and the locking and unlocking mechanism according to the movement of the movable piece. Based on the switching operation, the open / close member in the locked state is unlocked. After unlocking, when the force of the hand that rotated the key is released, the return means is activated, and the movable piece and the lock shaft that rotates together with the movable piece are forcibly moved to the standby position where the key can be extracted from the keyhole of the lock or in the vicinity thereof. Is restored. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to return the key to a state where it is relatively easy to remove the key from the keyhole without any troublesome operation of returning the key to the original standby position by hand after unlocking the opening / closing member with the key. be able to. In particular, by returning to the standby position, the key can be easily extracted from the keyhole. The standby position where the key can be extracted from the keyhole is also a position where the key can be inserted into the keyhole. In addition, the vicinity of the standby position means a position where the key can be pulled out slightly from the keyhole by slightly turning the key a little further.
[0017]
Means 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the return means is constituted by a spring provided between a frame of a locking mechanism or a main body of the lock and the movable piece.
[0018]
According to the means 6, by using a spring as the return means, the return means for forcibly returning the movable piece and the lock shaft which rotates integrally with the movable piece from the post-rotation position to the standby position or in the vicinity thereof is relatively inexpensive. And simple mechanical elements. The spring is, for example, a coil spring.
[0019]
Means 7. The return means is constituted by a spring provided between the frame of the locking mechanism or the main body of the lock and the movable piece so as to be extendable when the movable piece rotates in a predetermined direction from the standby position. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein:
[0020]
According to the means 7, when the movable piece is rotated in a predetermined direction from the standby position by inserting the key into the keyhole of the lock and rotating, the frame between the locking mechanism or the main body of the lock and the movable piece are moved. The provided spring is extended. Along with this extension, a restoring force (spring force) for returning the spring to its original length is generated, and this restoring force generates a moment for returning the movable piece from the post-rotation position to the original standby position. In other words, the spring provided between the frame of the locking mechanism or the main body of the lock and the movable piece so as to be extensible when the movable piece rotates is effectively used as a return means for forcibly returning the movable piece to the standby position or the vicinity thereof. Function. The extendable spring is, for example, a coil spring.
[0021]
Means 8. The spring as the return means has a movable one-side end of the spring positioned on an imaginary line connecting a lock shaft of the lock and a non-movable one-side end of the spring in a state where the movable piece is arranged at the standby position. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the gaming machine is provided as follows.
[0022]
According to the means 8, it is assumed that the spring force acts on the spring under an installation condition in which the movable one-side end of the spring is located on an imaginary line connecting the lock shaft of the lock and the non-movable one-side end of the spring. Also, no moment is generated around the lock axis, which is the rotation axis of the movable piece, and the movable piece does not rotate (ie, stops at the standby position). In this case, the spring is in the shortest state. When the movable piece is rotated from the standby position, the spring is stretched, a restoring force (spring force) for canceling the extension is generated, and the movable one side end of the spring is connected to the lock shaft of the lock and the non-lock of the spring. A moment based on the restoring force is generated by deviating from an imaginary line connecting the movable one side end. This moment acts in a direction to return the movable piece from the post-rotation position to the standby position regardless of the rotation direction of the movable piece, and disappears when the movable piece returns to the standby position. According to this configuration, the movable piece is stably held at the standby position and the forced return of the movable piece after the rotation is simultaneously achieved by the spring.
[0023]
In the means 7 and 8, "a locking portion for locking one end of the spring is provided on the movable piece, and a locking portion for locking the other end of the spring is a frame or a main body of the lock. Is preferable.
[0024]
Means 9. Means 5 is characterized in that the operative connection between the movable piece and the locking / unlocking mechanism is constructed such that a predetermined play is ensured between the movable piece and the movable piece when the movable piece is arranged at the standby position. , 6, 7 or 8.
[0025]
According to the means 9, when the movable piece is placed at the standby position (a position where a key can be inserted into and removed from the keyhole of the lock), the movable piece is secured so that a predetermined play is ensured between the movable piece and the locking / unlocking mechanism. An operational connection between the lock mechanism and the locking / unlocking mechanism is established. For this reason, there is an advantage that the assembling of the locking device is facilitated and the smoothness of operation between the movable piece and the locking / unlocking mechanism is ensured. Cannot automatically return to the standby position. Therefore, when a predetermined play is ensured between the movable piece and the locking / unlocking mechanism, a return means is provided, and the movable piece can be removed from the keyhole of the lock after the pivoting operation of the lock by the key. Or, the technical significance (or technical necessity) of forcibly returning to the vicinity thereof is large.
[0026]
Means 10. The gaming machine includes first and second opening / closing members as the opening / closing member, wherein the movable piece has a first arm portion that can be selectively operated and connected to the locking / unlocking mechanism in accordance with the movement thereof. A locking mechanism for the first opening / closing member, the locking mechanism being capable of unlocking the first opening / closing member when the movable piece is operatively connected to the first arm; And a second opening / closing member locking / unlocking mechanism that allows the second opening / closing member to be unlocked when operatively connected to the two arms. When the movable piece is disposed at the standby position, A predetermined play is ensured between the first arm and the first opening / closing member locking / unlocking mechanism, and a predetermined play is also provided between the movable arm second arm and the second opening / closing member locking / unlocking mechanism. Means, wherein an operative connection between the movable piece and the locking / unlocking mechanism is established so that , 7 or gaming machine described in 8.
[0027]
According to the means (10), the movable piece is operated in response to the unlocking operation of the lock by the key, and the first arm or the second arm of the movable piece is used to lock and unlock the first opening / closing member constituting the locking / unlocking mechanism. Alternatively, it is selectively operatively connected to the second opening / closing member locking / unlocking mechanism. When the first arm of the movable piece is operatively connected to the locking / unlocking mechanism for the first opening / closing member, the first opening / closing member becomes unlockable, and the second arm of the movable piece is operatively connected to the locking / unlocking mechanism for the second opening / closing member. Then, the second opening / closing member can be unlocked. When the movable piece is placed at the standby position (a position where a key can be inserted into and removed from the keyhole of the lock), a predetermined play occurs between the first arm portion of the movable piece and the first opening / closing member locking / unlocking mechanism. The movable connection between the movable piece and the locking / unlocking mechanism is secured so that a predetermined play is secured between the second arm portion of the movable piece and the locking / unlocking mechanism for the second opening / closing member. Have been built. Therefore, there is an advantage that the assembling of the locking device is facilitated, and smooth operation of the movable piece and the locking / unlocking mechanism for the first opening / closing member and the second opening / closing member is ensured. It cannot be expected that the movement of the locking / unlocking mechanism for the opening / closing member or the second opening / closing member spreads to the movable piece and the movable piece automatically returns to the standby position. Therefore, when a predetermined play is ensured between the movable piece and the first opening / closing member and the second opening / closing member locking / unlocking mechanism, a return means is provided, and the movable piece is moved after the key is turned by the key. The technical significance (or technical necessity) of forcibly returning the key to or near the standby position where the key can be extracted from the keyhole of the lock is large.
[0028]
Means 11. In the gaming machine described in any one of the means 2 to 10, the lock has a keyhole for inserting the key on a front side thereof, and the movable piece is provided on a back side of the lock.
[0029]
According to the means 11, since the movable piece is provided on the back side of the lock, an illegal operation can be directly performed on the movable piece from the front side of the lock (for example, an attempt is made to move the movable piece by inserting a wire through a gap). Operation), it is extremely difficult to operate the movable piece because the lock itself is in the way. For this reason, crime prevention is enhanced.
[0030]
In the means 1 to 11, "the lock is a cylinder lock" is preferable. As the movable piece, a “cam” as described later can be exemplified.
[0031]
Means 12. In any one of the means 1 to 11, the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Above all, as a basic configuration of a pachinko machine, an operation handle is provided, and a game ball is fired to a predetermined game area in accordance with the operation of the handle, and an operation port in which the game ball is arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. The symbol display on the display device is started as a necessary condition to win a prize, and during the special game state, the winning opening arranged at a predetermined position in the game area is opened in a predetermined manner. For example, a game ball can be won, and a value corresponding to the winning number (including not only a premium ball but also writing to a magnetic card) is given. At least the pachinko machine has a special game state (big hit state) which is advantageous for a player who can obtain a large number of game balls, and a normal game state which is disadvantageous to a player who consumes the game balls. There are different types of gaming states.
[0032]
Means 13. In any one of the means 1 to 11, the gaming machine is a slot machine. Among them, as a basic configuration of the slot machine, a display device for variably displaying a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state and then displaying the symbols in a fixed manner is provided. (For example, operation lever), the symbol change is started, and the symbol change is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (eg, stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses, and the symbol change is stopped. A special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the determined symbol is a specific symbol. In this case, coins and medals are typical examples of the game medium. The gaming machine includes at least a special game state (big hit state) that is advantageous for a player who can obtain a large number of game media, and a normal game state that is disadvantageous for a player consuming the game medium. There are different types of gaming states.
[0033]
Means 14. In any one of the means 1 to 11, the gaming machine is a gaming machine that combines a pachinko machine and a slot machine. Above all, as a basic configuration of the integrated gaming machine, a display device for variably displaying a symbol row including a plurality of pieces of identification information for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state and then displaying the symbol in a fixed manner is provided. The fluctuation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stopping operation means (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the fixed symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol, and using a game ball as a game medium, The game machine is configured such that a predetermined number of game balls are required at the start of the change of information, and many game balls are paid out when a special game state occurs. The gaming machine has at least two special game states (big hit state) that are advantageous to a player who can obtain a large number of game balls, and a normal game state that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes the game balls. There are different types of gaming states.
[0034]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a pachinko machine as a game machine will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11, a front frame 12 (also referred to as an inner frame), a glass frame 13 in which a glass plate is fitted, and a game board 14. The game board 14 is assembled inside (front side) of the front frame 12, and the front frame 12 and the game board 14 are integrated to form a front door. The front frame 12 is rotatably attached to the outer frame 11 through a pair of upper and lower hinge portions 15 provided on the left side of the outer frame 11, and the front doors (12, 14) are attached to the outer frame 11. It can be opened and closed. The glass frame 13 is supported by the pair of upper and lower pivots 16, 16 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the front frame 12. In this pachinko machine 10, the front frame 12 corresponds to a first opening / closing member, and the glass frame 13 corresponds to a second opening / closing member.
[0035]
The front of the pachinko machine constituted by the front frame 12 and the game board 14 has a game board area defined by a glass frame 13 occupying substantially the upper half thereof, and a game board area occupying substantially the lower half thereof and formed on the front frame 12. Operation area. The game board area is provided with a display device, winning holes of various sizes, windmills, lamps, speakers, and other appliances and devices (all not shown) for enhancing the game performance. On the other hand, the operating area is provided with a firing operation handle 17 for firing, an upper tray 18 as a hit ball supply tray, a lower tray 19 as a surplus ball tray, and other instruments and devices.
[0036]
On one side of the back surface of the front frame 12, a vertically long locking device 20 is provided. The locking device 20 includes a front frame locking / unlocking mechanism (a first opening / closing member locking / unlocking mechanism) for locking the front frame 12 to the outer frame 11 so that the front frame 12 cannot be opened when the front frame 12 is closed. A locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the glass frame 13 to the front frame 12 so that the glass frame 13 cannot be opened when the glass frame 13 is closed (a locking and unlocking mechanism for the second opening / closing member). And a locking device for both the glass frame. Note that a pair of upper and lower receiving brackets 11a and 11b are fixed inside the right side of the outer frame 11 as locked portions involved in locking of the front frame 12. Each receiving fitting is formed by bending a highly rigid metal plate, for example. Similarly, the front frame 12 and / or the glass frame 13 are provided with a locked portion or a locked mechanism (not shown) involved in locking the glass frame 13.
[0037]
FIG. 3 shows the locking device 20 in a sideways position, and FIGS. 4 and 5 show the main part of the locking device 20 in an enlarged manner. The locking device 20 includes a frame body 21 that extends in the vertical direction (the horizontal direction in FIGS. 3 to 5) when attached to a pachinko machine. The frame body 21 as a support is formed by bending a long metal plate at a substantially right angle and processing the sheet metal into an angle (L-shaped cross section), and a first mounting plate 22 and a second mounting plate that are substantially orthogonal to each other. 23. The locking device 20 is configured by attaching the cylinder lock 50 to the first attachment plate 22 of the frame and attaching the operating member 30 and a pair of upper and lower hook members 41A and 41B to the second attachment plate 23. .
[0038]
The operating member 30 is a long plate-like member extending along the longitudinal direction of the frame 21, and is slidably provided along the second mounting plate 23. The sliding of the operating member 30 along the second mounting plate 23 is based on the unlocking operation of the cylinder lock 50 by the dedicated key K, and this point will be described in detail later.
[0039]
In the vicinity of both ends of the operating member 30, an upper (right side in FIG. 3) hook member 41A capable of engaging with the upper receiving member 11a, and a lower side (see FIG. 3) capable of engaging with the lower receiving member 11b. 3 is provided slidably along the second mounting plate 23 of the frame. More specifically, focusing on the upper hook member 41A, as shown in FIG. 5, a guide pin 42 is provided on one side surface of the upper hook member 41A, and the guide pin 42 is formed on the second mounting plate 23. In the formed guide groove 24. The width (height) of the guide groove 24 is substantially equal to the diameter of the shaft portion of the guide pin 42, but the head of the guide pin 42 is larger in diameter than the shaft portion, and the large diameter head is the second mounting portion. It is configured to slide on one side of the plate 23. For this reason, the upper hook member 41A is slidable within the range of the guide groove 24 while keeping the upper hook member 41A parallel to the second mounting plate 23.
[0040]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a coil spring 44 is provided between a hook 43 protruding from one side surface of the upper hook member 41A and a hook 25 protruding from the first mounting plate 22 of the frame. Has been erected. The coil spring 44 constantly urges the upper hook member 41A and the guide pin 42 toward the upper end of the frame 21, but the guide pin 42 comes into contact with the upper end (the right end in FIG. 5) of the guide groove 24. Further upward movement of the upper hook member 41A is restricted. As a result, the upper hook member 41A is positioned at the locking position (the solid line position in FIG. 4) in which the upper hook member 41A engages with the upper receiving bracket 11a.
[0041]
The upper end of the operating member 30 is disposed between the second mounting plate 23 and the upper hook member 41A. An escape groove 31 for accommodating the shaft portion of the guide pin 42 is formed at the upper end of the operating member 30, and the guide pin 42 escapes normally (when the upper hook member 41A is in the locked position). It is located at the upper end of the groove 31 (the right end in FIG. 5). When the operating member 30 is moved upward (moves rightward in FIG. 5) from the standby position in FIG. 5 by a predetermined amount (see FIG. 6A), the escape groove 31 is moved above the operating member 30 by the guide pin 42 or the like. While the movement is not hindered, when the operation member 30 is moved down (moves leftward in FIG. 5) by a predetermined amount from the standby position in FIG. 5 (see FIG. 6B), the guide pin 42 and the relief groove A mechanical structure is provided for lowering the upper hook member (41A) together with the operating member (30) against the elasticity of the coil spring (44) based on the engagement relationship with the upper end of the coil spring (44). The structure of the lower hook member 41B is also substantially the same as the structure of the upper hook member 41A.
[0042]
That is, when the upper and lower hook members 41A and 41B move upward, the upward movement of the operating member 30 is unconditionally permitted without any influence from the operating member 30. When the member 30 moves down, the member 30 moves down together with the actuating member 30 and slides from the locked position (see FIG. 5) to the unlocked position (see FIG. 6B). , 11b at the same time, a selective operative connection is established with the operating member 30.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of glass frame engagement mechanisms involved in locking or unlocking the glass frame 13 are provided at substantially the center and lower end of the frame 21 and at the substantially center and lower end of the operating member 30. 33, 33 are provided. Each of the glass frame engagement mechanisms 33 includes a sliding member 33a having a guide groove (also serving as a relief groove) for engaging a guide pin projecting from one side surface of the operating member 30, and the sliding member 33a. And a coil spring 33b for urging downward. The sliding body 33a as an engagement portion for a glass frame includes a mechanism for locking or unlocking the glass frame 13 provided on the front frame 12 and / or the glass frame 13 (it is well known and the description is omitted), and the operating member 30 Are mechanically linked with each other, and the state of locking or unlocking of the glass frame 13 is switched according to a change in the position of the sliding body 33a accompanying the vertical movement of the operating member 30.
[0044]
The glass frame engagement mechanism 33 also functions as a selective urging mechanism for selectively urging the operating member 30. That is, when the operating member 30 moves down, each glass frame engaging mechanism (selective urging mechanism) 33 has no effect on the operating member 30 and unconditionally lowers the operating member 30. Although allowed, when the operating member 30 moves upward, it functions to exert an urging action in a direction (leftward in FIG. 3) for returning the operating member 30 to the original position (standby position).
[0045]
When the cylinder lock 50 is not operated with the dedicated key K (at normal times), the operation member 30 is stably held at the standby position shown in FIGS. The actuating member 30 is convenient for the upper hook member 41A and the lower hook member 41B, and a pair of glass frame engagement mechanisms (selective urging mechanisms) 33, 33 urged downward by the respective coil springs 33b. This is because the standby position of the operating member 30 is uniquely determined by the engagement via the guide pins. When an external force is applied to the operation member 30 to move the operation member 30 upward from the standby position, the two coil springs 33b attached to the pair of glass frame engagement mechanisms (selective urging mechanisms) 33, 33 are activated. Attempt to return the operating member 30 to the original position (standby position). On the other hand, when the operating member 30 is to be moved downward from the standby position, the two coil springs 44 assigned to the upper and lower hook members 41A and 41B try to return the operating member 30 to the original position (standby position). .
[0046]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a cylinder lock 50 is provided on the first mounting plate 22 of the frame at a position near the upper end of the frame 21. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the first mounting plate 22 is provided with a pair of mounting support portions 26, 26 for a cylinder lock projecting at a predetermined interval. Further, a mounting flange 51 is integrated with the rear side of the cylinder lock 50 (the side opposite to the keyhole). The cylinder lock 50 is fixed to the frame 21 by mounting the mounting flange 51 on the pair of mounting support portions 26 and 26 and fixing the mounting flange 51 to the mounting support portions 26 with screws 27.
[0047]
A cam 52 as a movable piece is attached to a lock shaft 50a protruding to the rear side of the cylinder lock 50 so as to be integrally rotatable. In particular, as shown in FIG. 5, the cam 52 has a first arm 54 and a second arm 55, and the angle between the arms 54 and 55 about the lock shaft 50a is about 80 degrees. Is set. On the other hand, the operating member 30 has a first engagement groove 34 that can be engaged with the first arm 54 of the cam and a second engagement groove 35 that can be engaged with the second arm 55 of the cam. . In response to the operation of the cylinder lock 50 by the dedicated key K, the cam 52 rotates clockwise (see FIG. 6A) or counterclockwise (see FIG. 6B). When the cam 52 rotates by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction, the first arm portion 54 or the second arm portion 55 enters the corresponding first engagement groove 34 or the second engagement groove 35, respectively, and one end of the entered groove. The actuating member 30 is pushed and moved in a specific direction by engaging with the part.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the lock shaft 50a and the cam 52 are located at the regular standby positions, both the first arm 54 and the second arm 55 The engagement groove 34 and the second engagement groove 35 are not engaged, and there is a play (a slight gap) between each arm and the end of the engagement groove. This play is intentionally ensured for the purpose of facilitating assembly of the locking device 20 and ensuring smooth operation between the operating member 30 and the cam 52.
[0049]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a column 28 is erected on the first mounting plate 22 of the frame in the vicinity of the cylinder lock 50, and one end of a spring is provided at the tip (upper end) of the column 28. Hook portion 29 for locking the hook is formed. Further, a hook portion 53 for locking the other end of the spring is provided on the upper surface of the cam 52. When the cam 52 is located at the standby position shown in FIG. 5 (the position when the cylinder lock 50 is not operated with the dedicated key K), the hook portion 53 moves between the center axis x of the lock shaft 50a and the support post 28. The hook portion 53 is positioned so that it can be located on an imaginary line connecting the hook portion 29 straight.
[0050]
A return spring 58 is provided between the hook portion 29 (the frame-side spring locking portion) and the hook portion 53 (the cam-side spring locking portion) of the support 28. . The return spring 58 is preferably a coil spring. The return spring 58 exerts an urging force in a direction in which the return spring 58 contracts when its both ends are locked to the hook portions 29 and 53, respectively. When the cam 52 is located at the standby position shown in FIG. 5, the length of the return spring 58 provided between the hook portions 29 and 53 becomes the shortest. Even if the cam 52 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise from the standby position in FIG. 5 by operating the cylinder lock 50, the return spring 58 is extended with the rotation of the cam 52. As the return spring 58 is extended, a restoring force for returning to the original length is stored in the return spring 58. The restoring force generates a moment for returning the cam 52 to the standby position in FIG. 5 when the external force for operating the cylinder lock 50 (that is, the force for turning the key K) disappears.
[0051]
Even after the cam 52 returns to the standby position in FIG. 5, a constant contraction force continues to act on the return spring 58, but in the state of FIG. 5, the axis of the return spring 58 extends and contracts with the central axis x of the lock shaft 50a. Since it matches the imaginary line connecting the hook portion 29 of the column, even if the return spring 58 continues to exert a contracting force, no moment is generated to further rotate the cam 52 from the standby position. That is, if no external force for operating the cylinder lock 50 acts, the cam 52 and the lock shaft 50a are stably held at the standby position in FIG.
[0052]
3 does not show the support 28, the hook portion 29, the hook portion 53 on the cam, and the return spring 58 in order to avoid intersecting and complicating lines in the drawing.
[0053]
Next, the operation and the like of the locking device 20 will be described.
In the locked state where the front frame 12 and the glass frame 13 are completely closed and the dedicated key K is not inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 50, both the operating member 30 and the cam 52 are arranged at the standby position shown in FIG. You. In this state, the upper and lower hook members 41A and 41B engage with the corresponding receiving members 11a and 11b, respectively, so that the front frame 12 cannot be opened, and the sliding members 33a and 33G as the glass frame engaging portions. 33a is arranged at the locking position, so that the glass frame 13 cannot be opened. The return spring 58 is in the shortest state as described above, and the cam 52 and the lock shaft 50a are held at the regular standby positions by the return spring 58, and the dedicated key K is smoothly inserted into and removed from the keyhole of the cylinder lock 50. It is possible.
[0054]
When it is desired to unlock the glass frame 13 from the above locked state, a special key K is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 50, and the special key K is turned leftward (counterclockwise) when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 (see FIG. 1). (Clockwise). Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the cam 52 rotates clockwise, the second arm portion 55 of the cam enters the second engagement groove 35 of the operating member, and the second engagement groove 35 (The right end in FIG. 6). Further, as the cam 52 is rotated clockwise, the operating member 30 moves upward (to the right in FIG. 6) while the operating member 30 is pressed by the second arm 55. FIG. 6A shows a state in which the cam 52 is rotated clockwise by about 40 degrees. By rotating the cam 52 clockwise by about 40 degrees, the operating member 30 is moved upward by a predetermined distance, and the sliding members 33a, 33a as the glass frame engaging portions are also displaced upward by the same distance. The glass frame 13 is unlocked.
[0055]
When the force of the hand for operating the key K is released when the glass frame 13 is unlocked, the operating member is actuated by the spring force of the coil spring 33b of the two-sided urging mechanism 33 accumulated when the operating member 30 is moved upward. 30 is forcibly returned to the original position (standby position). Accompanying this, the operating member 30 pushes the second arm 55 of the cam to rotate the cam 52 to near the standby position, but the operating member 30 returns the cam 52 to the normal standby position shown in FIG. Does not reach. At the moment when the operating member 30 returns to the original position, the second arm portion 55 of the cam and the end of the second engagement groove 35 are in contact with each other. Further fine rotation in the counterclockwise direction causes the second arm portion 55 of the cam to separate from the second engagement groove 35 of the operating member. Then, while disengaging the engagement relationship between the second arm portion 55 and the second engagement groove 35, the cam 52 completely returns to the normal standby position shown in FIG. 5, and stops there. As a result, the exclusive key K can be smoothly extracted from the keyhole of the cylinder lock 50.
[0056]
On the other hand, when it is desired to unlock the front frame 12 from the above locked state, the special key K is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 50, and the special key K is turned rightward when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 (see FIG. 1). (Clockwise). Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the cam 52 rotates counterclockwise, so that the first arm portion 54 of the cam enters the first engagement groove 34 of the operating member and the first engagement groove 34 is in contact with the lower end (the left end in FIG. 6). Further, as the cam 52 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the operating member 30 is moved downward (to the left in FIG. 6) while the operating member 30 is pressed by the first arm portion 54. As the operating member 30 moves downward, the upper hook member 41A is pushed down together with the guide pin 42 by the end of the escape groove 31. Similarly, the lower hook member 41B is pushed down with the downward movement of the operating member 30. FIG. 6B shows a state in which the cam 52 is rotated counterclockwise by about 40 degrees. By rotating the cam 52 counterclockwise by about 40 degrees, the operating member 30 moves down by a predetermined distance, and accordingly, the upper and lower hook members 41A, 41B are also displaced downward by the same distance. The engagement with the receiving fittings 11a and 11b is released, and the front frame 12 is unlocked.
[0057]
When the force for operating the key K is loosened when the front frame 12 is unlocked, the spring force of the coil springs 44 of the upper and lower hook members 41A and 41B accumulated when the operating member 30 is moved downward is generated. The operation member 30 is forcibly returned to the original position (standby position). Accompanying this, the operating member 30 pushes the first arm portion 54 of the cam to rotate the cam 52 to near the standby position, but the operating member 30 returns the cam 52 to the normal standby position shown in FIG. Does not reach. At the moment when the operating member 30 returns to the original position, the first arm portion 54 of the cam and the end of the first engagement groove 34 are in contact with each other. Further fine rotation in the clockwise direction causes the first arm portion 54 of the cam to disengage from the first engagement groove 34 of the operating member. Then, while canceling the engagement relationship between the first arm portion 54 and the first engagement groove 34, the cam 52 completely returns to the normal standby position shown in FIG. 5 and stops there. As a result, the exclusive key K can be smoothly extracted from the keyhole of the cylinder lock 50.
[0058]
Before describing the effects of the present embodiment, problems (defects) of a conventional locking device for a pachinko machine will be briefly pointed out before that. In a conventional locking device for pachinko machines, a special key is inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock, and turning the key to the right, for example, unlocks the front frame, and turning it to the left unlocks the glass frame. I have. If the hand is loosened after turning the key clockwise or counterclockwise, the locking / unlocking mechanism attempts to return to the standby state (locked state of the front frame, etc.) by the force of the spring provided in the locking / unlocking mechanism. And the lock shaft of the cylinder lock also attempts to return to the initial position (the standby position before the key is turned right or left). However, the operation connection between the cam and the locking / unlocking mechanism is not so tight in practice, and a design having a certain amount of play is rather common for reasons such as ensuring smooth operation. I have. Because of such play, the cam and the cylinder lock pin return to the initial position (standby position) due to the reaction when the locking / unlocking mechanism tries to return to the standby state when the force of the hand operating the key is loosened. Even in the case of returning, the cam and the lock shaft of the cylinder lock do not always completely return to the normal standby position. Unless the cam and lock shaft return to the normal standby position, the key cannot be removed from the keyhole of the cylinder lock, so the store clerk must eventually manually turn the key to return the lock shaft to the normal standby position. was there.
[0059]
In this regard, according to the present embodiment, despite the fact that the locking device 20 is assembled while securing a certain amount of play between the operating member 30 and the cam 52, the operation of the return spring 58 for the cam 52 causes The cam 52 and the lock shaft 50a can be immediately and accurately returned to the normal standby position only by loosening the force of the hand after rotating the dedicated key K. For this reason, the pachinko machine of the present embodiment does not have the drawbacks pointed out in the conventional example. That is, in order to remove the key K from the cylinder lock 50 after rotating the key K to the right or left, the clerk turns the key K by hand to bring the cam 52 and the lock shaft 50a of the cylinder lock into a regular standby state. The key K can be easily extracted from the keyhole without being forced to rotate the key K to return to the position. Therefore, the game machine has become a game machine that can be easily handled and operated by the unlocking and locking operations smoothly for the store clerk.
[0060]
The return spring 58 of the present embodiment, when the cam 52 is located at the standby position, the lock shaft 50a of the cylinder lock and the frame-side end of the spring (non-cam-side end = non-movable one-side end). The spring is provided such that a cam-side end (a movable one-side end) of the spring can be located on an imaginary line connecting the two. Under such an installation condition, even if a spring force acts on the return spring 58, no moment is generated around the lock shaft, which is the rotation axis of the cam 52, and the cam does not rotate (ie, stops at the standby position). . On the other hand, when the cam 52 is rotated from the standby position, the return spring 58 is extended, a restoring force (spring force) for canceling the extension is generated, and the cam side end of the return spring 58 is connected to the cylinder lock. Deviates from the imaginary line connecting the lock shaft 50a and the end of the return spring 58 on the frame side, a moment is generated based on the restoring force. This moment acts in a direction to return the cam 52 from the post-rotation position to the standby position regardless of the rotation direction of the cam 52, and disappears when the cam 52 returns to the standby position. That is, according to the present embodiment, by providing the return spring 58, it is possible to simultaneously stably hold the cam 52 at the standby position and simultaneously forcibly return the cam 52 after the rotation.
[0061]
(Modification) The embodiment of the present invention may be modified as follows.
The return spring 58 is arranged at a position as shown in FIG. 7 (that is, a position along a symmetrical line that bisects the two arms 54 and 55 of the cam) with respect to the cam 52 at the regular standby position. Is also good. Also in this case, the cam-side end of the return spring is located on an imaginary line (that is, the symmetrical line) connecting the lock shaft 50a of the cylinder lock and the frame-side end of the return spring 58.
[0062]
The number of return springs 58 is not limited to one, and a plurality of return springs 58 (two in FIG. 8) may be provided for the cam 52 as shown in FIG. Also in this case, for each return spring 58, it is preferable that the cam-side end of the return spring be located on an imaginary line connecting the lock shaft 50a of the cylinder lock and the frame-side end of the return spring 58.
[0063]
The present invention may be applied to a gaming machine other than a pachinko machine (for example, a slot machine or a combination machine of a pachinko machine and a slot machine). Further, the application of the present invention is not limited to the locking device, and the present invention may be applied to a lock attached to a game machine or another “device using a lock” provided in the game machine.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, after the key inserted into the keyhole of the lock is rotated, it is possible to return the key from the keyhole to a state in which it is relatively easy to remove the key.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko machine as a gaming machine.
FIG. 2 is a schematic right side view of a pachinko machine as a gaming machine.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the locking device (side down).
FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial front view showing the vicinity of a cylinder lock of the locking device.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial plan view showing the vicinity of a cylinder lock of the locking device.
6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 showing the operation of the locking device at the time of unlocking operation, wherein (A) is a partial plan view when the glass frame is unlocked, and (B) is a partial plan view when the front frame is unlocked. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a partial plan view corresponding to FIG. 5 relating to a modified example.
FIG. 8 is a partial plan view corresponding to FIG. 5 relating to a modified example.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine (game machine), 12 ... Front frame (1st opening / closing member), 13 ... Glass frame (2nd opening / closing member), 20 ... Locking device, 21 ... Frame body (lock support), 29 ... Hook portion (spring locking portion) on the frame side, 30 ... operating member, 33 ... Glass frame engagement mechanism (30 and 33 constitute a locking / unlocking mechanism for the second opening / closing member), 41A, 41B ... Upper and lower hook members (30, 41A and 41B constitute a locking / unlocking mechanism for the first opening / closing member), 50: cylinder lock (lock), 50a: lock shaft, 52: cam (movable piece), 53 ... A hook portion on the cam side (a locking portion for a spring), 54 a first arm portion of a cam, 55 a second arm portion of a cam, 58 a return spring (return means), and K a dedicated key for a cylinder lock.

Claims

In a gaming machine provided with a lock operated using a key, after inserting a key into a keyhole of the lock and rotating the lock, the state of the lock is close to a standby state in which the key can be removed from the keyhole or the standby state. A gaming machine provided with a return means for forcibly returning to a state.