JP2004242715A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with a higher expansibility which enables the simple altering of the operating means such as levers and buttons to be operated by a player. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine (10), groups (3-6) of operation units which make the players carry out the specified operations are exchangeably mounted in socket holes (S). The individual operation units making up the groups (3-6) of operation units are each provided with a common base part detachably mounted in the socket hole (S) and an operating part having a different operation means (3a, 3b, 3c or the like) per unit operable by the players outside the socket holes (S). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game machine, and is applied to a game machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement machine, and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine provided with an operation unit for a player to perform various operations. The operation unit is usually attached to a glass frame or a saucer unit of the gaming machine. Various operation means such as levers and buttons are provided on the front of the operation unit. By operating these operation means, the player can perform various operations such as changing a display image on the symbol display device and receiving a rental of a game ball.
Related prior arts include the following Patent Documents 1 to 3.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-315563
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-272236
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-70536 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such conventional gaming machines, the operating means of the operating unit is often limited to a single mode. For this reason, when changing the operation means, it takes time and effort to replace or improve the operation unit, and the economic burden increases.
In recent years, game machines have become multifunctional and complicated, and accordingly, diversification of operation means has been demanded.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and provides a gaming machine that allows a player to easily change operating means such as levers and buttons for operation and has enhanced expandability. It is an object.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[First invention]
A gaming machine according to the present invention (first invention) for solving the above problems has the following configuration. That is,
A gaming machine having an operation unit for a player to perform a predetermined operation,
A socket hole provided at a predetermined location of the gaming machine,
An operating unit group that is exchangeably attached to the socket hole,
Each operation unit constituting the operation unit group includes:
A common base portion detachably attached to the socket hole,
An operation unit having different operation means is provided for each unit which can be operated by a player outside the socket hole.
[0007]
According to the gaming machine of the present invention (first invention), one of the operation unit groups is selectively attached to the socket hole. The player performs a predetermined operation using the operation means of the operation unit. When changing the operation means, the operation unit of the socket hole is replaced with another operation unit. This allows the player to handle different types of operation means for each operation unit.
Further, according to the present invention (first invention), a common base portion of each operation unit is attached to a single socket hole. For this reason, all the operation units can be replaced by the same procedure, and the burden on the operator can be greatly reduced.
[0008]
The operation means of the operation unit is not particularly limited as long as it can be operated by a player. For example, it can be in the form of a lever, a button, a cross key, a dial, a stick, a card reader, or the like. These operating means may be employed alone or in combination of two or more.
The operation unit may be provided with an auxiliary device such as a display panel or a display lamp for displaying various information.
[0009]
[Second invention]
In the gaming machine according to the present invention (second invention), the operation unit group may include:
It is characterized by comprising a game participation type unit group for switching settings related to game contents such as symbol display, and a game non-participation type unit group for switching settings related to device functions such as display lamps and speakers.
[0010]
The operations performed by the player on the gaming machine include a game participation type operation related to game contents such as symbol display and a game non-participation type operation related to device functions such as volume and brightness adjustment. If the configuration of the operation unit group is biased toward one of the game participation type and the game non-participation type, even if a plurality of operation units are prepared, the selection range of the operation unit is reduced when the operation means is changed, and the gaming machine Function cannot be expanded sufficiently.
According to the present invention (second invention), by providing a game participation type unit group and a game non-participation type unit group in advance in the operation unit group, the range of selection of the operation unit is expanded, and the expandability of the gaming machine is enhanced. Can be improved in a well-balanced manner.
[0011]
Examples of the operation by the game participation type unit group include, for example, a change of the character of the symbol display device, a change of the reach action, a background scroll, an adjustment of the symbol change time, and the like. Examples of operations by the non-game participatory unit include adjusting the volume of a speaker, the brightness and color of a display lamp, and paying out game balls by a card reader.
[0012]
[Third invention]
A gaming machine according to the present invention (third invention) is a gaming machine having a gaming handle operable by a player with one hand, wherein the gaming handle is arranged at one of right and left ends of the gaming machine. In addition, the operation unit is arranged at the other end of the gaming machine.
[0013]
Generally, a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a handle for launching a game ball at a position closer to the front right side. Usually, the player holds the handle with his right hand, faces the gaming machine, and attaches his left hand at an appropriate position away from the handle. That is, in a gaming machine having such a gaming handle, one hand often operates the gaming handle while the other hand is relatively free.
According to the present invention (third invention), while the player operates the gaming handle with one hand, the operating unit can be operated with the free hand opposite to the handle. This makes it possible to comfortably operate the operation unit.
[0014]
[Fourth invention]
As a method of attaching the operation unit to a pachinko machine or the like, a method of providing a socket hole in a front panel such as a glass frame or a tray unit and attaching the operation unit to the socket hole can be considered. In this case, the operation unit can be fixed to the periphery of the socket hole by screwing or the like.
However, in the configuration of a general pachinko machine or the like, when the operation unit is mounted in the socket hole by the above-described mounting method, the thickness of the front panel is not sufficient, so that the fixing strength of the operation unit can be sufficiently increased. It is not possible, and it is easy for rattling and the like to occur. As a countermeasure for this, it is conceivable to increase the panel thickness, but the weight of the gaming machine increases, and the material cost of the panel material tends to increase.
[0015]
On the other hand, there is a method in which a concave portion is formed in a bulging portion such as a receiving tray and the concave portion is used as a socket hole (Patent Document 2). However, when the operation unit is attached to such a bulging portion, the structure of the tray and the like becomes complicated, and the position of the operation unit is close to the game handle, so that the operability is likely to deteriorate.
[0016]
Therefore, a gaming machine according to the present invention (fourth invention) is such that the socket hole for mounting the operation unit is provided on a front panel (preferably made of synthetic resin) such as a glass frame and a saucer unit. A configuration in which a rear panel (preferably made of metal) is disposed at a predetermined interval behind the front panel and is provided with the socket hole so as to communicate with the front panel and the rear panel. And
[0017]
According to the gaming machine of the present invention (fourth invention), the operation unit fits into the socket holes communicating with the front panel and the back panel, so that the operation units are supported by the peripheral portions of the socket holes of these two panels. Since a gap is maintained between the front panel and the rear panel, a sufficient support interval is ensured even if the operation unit has a thickness. As a result, the fixing strength of the operation unit increases, and rattling or the like hardly occurs. Further, since the thickness of the front panel and the rear panel can be small, the material cost of the panel material can be reduced.
[0018]
[Fifth invention]
A gaming machine according to the present invention (fifth invention) is a gaming machine having a hinge mechanism for opening and closing a glass frame, a tray unit, and the like, wherein the back panel also serves as a reinforcing plate of the hinge mechanism. Features.
[0019]
Generally, a pachinko machine or the like is provided with a hinge mechanism so that a glass frame, a tray unit, and the like open to the front side. By opening the glass frame and the saucer unit, game balls can be supplied and nails can be adjusted from the front side of the gaming machine. Such a hinge mechanism is reinforced with a metal reinforcing plate in order to obtain sufficient mechanical strength.
[0020]
According to the gaming machine of the present invention (fifth invention), since the reinforcing plate of the hinge mechanism can be used as the back panel, there is no need to add a special part for the back panel. That is, it is possible to manufacture the socket hole of the rear panel, which is the support portion of the operation unit, at a low cost and at a low cost by utilizing the configuration of the existing hinge mechanism. The reduction in the strength of the reinforcing plate due to the opening of the socket hole can be compensated for by increasing the thickness of the reinforcing plate. Further, since the operation unit can be viewed from the back side when the glass frame and the tray unit are opened, the operation of attaching and detaching the operation unit becomes easier.
The present invention (fifth invention) may be particularly applied to a hinge mechanism of a saucer unit. This is because the hinge mechanism of the saucer unit is usually at a position opposite to the handle for firing game balls and at a height that is easy for the player to operate.
[0021]
[Sixth invention]
In the gaming machine according to the present invention (sixth invention), the operation unit includes:
A flange locked to a peripheral portion of the socket hole of the front panel,
The front panel and the rear panel are sandwiched by locking claws elastically engaged with a peripheral portion of a socket hole of the rear panel.
[0022]
According to the gaming machine of the present invention (sixth invention), when the operation unit is inserted into the socket holes of the front panel and the back panel, the flange hits the peripheral portion of the socket hole on the front panel side, and the operation unit stops. On the other hand, on the rear panel side, the engaging claw is elastically fitted to the peripheral portion of the socket hole by the pressing force at the time of insertion. As a result, the front panel and the rear panel are sandwiched between the flange and the locking claw, so that the mounting of the operation unit is completed with a simple manual operation.
Further, when removing the operation unit, the operation unit can be easily removed from the socket holes of the front panel and the rear panel by an operation such as pressing down the locking claw.
[0023]
The present invention (first to sixth inventions) can be applied to various game machines provided with an operation unit. For example, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine, a video game machine, and the like, in addition to a model using a game ball such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, and a sparrow ball game machine.
The present invention (first to sixth inventions) may be applied alone as necessary, or may be applied in combination with each invention. Further, other inventions described in this specification may be combined.
Further, in the present invention (fourth to sixth inventions), the configuration of the socket holes formed by the front panel and the rear panel can be adopted even when a single operation unit is not provided with a plurality of operation units.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment. The pachinko machine 10 includes operation unit groups 3 to 6 for a player to perform various operations. Any one of the operation units 3 to 6 is selected according to the specifications of the pachinko machine 10 or the like. The selected operation unit is detachably mounted in the socket hole S of the pachinko machine 10.
[0025]
2 and 3 are views of the pachinko machine 10 viewed from the front and side. The operation unit 3 of the operation unit groups 3 to 6 is mounted in the socket hole S of the pachinko machine 10.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the pachinko machine 10, a game area P is provided on the front side of the player. The game area P can be seen inside the glass frame 11. In the game area P, there are provided a symbol display device 12 for displaying a variable symbol and the like, a start gate 13 for starting the lottery symbol display of the symbol display device 13, an attacker device 14 which opens and closes at the time of a big hit to promote a winning of the game ball B, and the like. Can be
Below the glass frame 11, an upper plate unit 15 and a lower plate unit 16 having a tray for storing game balls are provided. A handle 17 for firing game balls into the game area P is provided at a position on the lower plate unit 16 on the right side in FIG. The operation unit 3 for operation by the player is detachably mounted at a position opposite to the handle 17 with the tray of the upper plate unit 15 interposed therebetween.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3, the outer periphery of the pachinko machine 10 is partitioned by a machine frame 21. On the front side of the machine frame 21, a front frame 22 that can be opened and closed by hinges 23a and 23b is provided. The glass frame 11, the upper plate unit 15, and the lower plate unit 16 are attached to the front side of the front frame 23. In FIG. 2, a hinge mechanism is provided at the left ends of the glass frame 11 and the upper plate unit 15. With these hinge mechanisms, the glass frame 11 and the upper plate unit 15 can be individually opened and closed on the front side of the front frame 23.
[0027]
FIG. 4 shows a state in which the front frame 22 is opened on the front side of the pachinko machine 10. On the back side of the front frame 22, a mechanism board (also referred to as a back set) 30 is fixed. The mechanical board 30 has a ball tank 31 for storing game balls, a tank lake 32 for forming a guide path for game balls from the ball tank 31, substrate boards 33 and 34 for storing various control boards, and power to various devices. A switchboard 35 for distributing power, a ball payout device 36 for managing payout of winning balls and loaned balls, and the like are provided.
A game board (not shown) is mounted on a window W opened to the center of the mechanism board 30. A control device of the game board is electrically connected to various devices of the mechanism board 30. The game board is replaceable, and the operation content of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched according to the type of the game board.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 5, the upper plate unit 15 is covered with a resin panel having a streamlined curved surface. The surface of the upper plate unit 15 is provided with a unified decoration so as to obtain a sense of unity with the appearance of the glass frame 11. In the center of the upper plate unit 15, a bulging portion 15a bulging in a saucer shape is formed, and a speaker 15b that emits sound of the gaming machine 10 is housed inside the bulging portion 15a. A socket hole S is provided in the hinge portion 15c of the bulging portion 15a extending to the left in FIG.
When the upper plate unit 15 is opened to the front side, the operation unit 3 appears behind the hinge 15c (see FIG. 6). Thereby, the attachment / detachment operation of the operation unit 3 described later can be easily performed.
[0029]
FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the hinge 15 c of the upper plate unit 15. As shown in FIG. 7, a front panel 41 and a rear panel 42 are arranged side by side at a distance L on the hinge portion 15c. Socket holes S (S1 and S2) are arranged on the plate surfaces of the front panel 41 and the rear panel 42 so as to overlap in the front-rear direction.
By providing the space L between the socket hole S1 of the front panel 41 and the socket S2 of the rear panel 42 in this manner, the operation unit 3 is firmly supported on the peripheral portions of the socket holes S1 and S2 without rattling. You.
Further, it is sufficient to adjust the interval of the gap L without increasing the thickness of the front panel 41 and the rear panel 42, which is useful for reducing the weight of the upper plate unit 15.
[0030]
8 and 9 are views of the front panel 41 and the rear panel 42 as viewed from the front and the rear, respectively. 8 and 9 show a state where the operation unit 3 is removed from the socket holes S1 and S2.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 8, the front panel 41 is integrally formed of a resin material from the bulging portion 15a of the upper plate unit 15 to the hinge portion 15c. The thickness of the panel is approximately several millimeters for both the bulging portion 15a and the hinge portion 15c and is uniform. A socket hole S1 is formed substantially at the center of the hinge portion 15c.
A plurality of bosses 43 extend on the back side of the front panel 41. The rear panel 42 contacts the tip of the boss 43. These bosses 43 ensure a gap L between the front panel 41 and the rear panel 42. The outer peripheral portion of the front panel 41 is curved toward the rear panel 42 so that the gap L between the front panel 41 and the rear panel 42 is not visible from the outside.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 9, the rear panel 42 is formed by processing a metal plate into a predetermined shape, and has a socket hole S2 at a position slightly to the right in FIG. 9 from the center of the panel. When viewed from the rear panel 42 side, the hole shape of the socket hole S2 is a shape that is inverted left and right from the socket hole S1 of the front panel 41, and overlaps with the socket hole 1 seen on the back surface of the front panel 41 in almost the same shape.
Screws 44 are provided at predetermined positions on the back panel 42. The rear panel 42 is fixed to the front panel 41 by tightening the screw 44 to the boss 43 of the front panel 41.
[0033]
At a side end (left end in FIG. 9) of the back panel 42, a support shaft 45 and a bearing 46 constituting a hinge mechanism of the upper plate unit 15 are provided.
The support shaft 45 is attached to the auxiliary tool 47 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. A lateral bar 48 is attached to the side of the auxiliary tool 47, and a coil spring 49 for urging the support shaft 45 downward is attached to the lateral bar 48. When the support shaft 45 is pushed upward against the urging force of the coil spring 49, the tip of the support shaft 45 moves to a position hidden by the back panel 42. When the support shaft 45 is released, it is pushed by the coil spring 49 and returns to the original position.
The hinge mechanism of the upper plate unit 15 is attached to the front frame 11 with the support shaft 45 pushed upward. When the support shaft 45 is returned to the original state at a predetermined position of the front frame 11, the support shaft 45 and the bearing 46 rotate with respect to the front frame 11, and the upper plate unit 15 opens and closes.
[0034]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the rear panel 42 reinforces the hinge mechanism of the upper plate unit 15. That is, the rear panel 42 also serves as a reinforcing plate of the hinge mechanism. Thereby, the upper plate unit 15 can be manufactured with a small number of parts, and the mounting strength of the operation unit 3 can be increased by the two panels of the front panel 41 and the rear panel 42.
[0035]
Next, the configuration of the operation unit 3 will be described. 10 is a perspective view of the operation unit 3 as viewed obliquely from the front, FIG. 11 is an exploded side view, and FIG. 12 is a rear view.
The operation unit 3 has an operation section 51 and a base section 52. The base 52 is inserted into the socket holes S (S1 and S2). Operation buttons 53a, 53b, 53c of two sizes, large and small, are provided on the front surface of the operation unit 51, and can be operated by a player outside the socket hole S.
[0036]
A back cover 54 is attached to the rear end of the base 52. Screws 55, 55 are stopped at the upper and lower ends of the back cover 54 in FIG. By removing the screws 55, 55 and opening the back cover 54, various components such as a control board 58 can be incorporated into the base portion 52.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 12, the upper, lower, left and right widths of the base portion 52 are such that the shape of the base portion 51 viewed from the rear corresponds to the hole shapes of the socket holes S1 and S2.
The thickness of the base portion 51 in the front-rear direction is larger than the distance between the socket holes S1 and S2. Thus, when the base portion 51 is inserted into the socket holes S1 and S2, the side surfaces of the base portion 51 are supported by the peripheral portions of the socket holes S1 and S2.
[0038]
A flange 51a is formed on the front side of the operation unit 3. The outer peripheral end of the flange 51a extends to a position outside the socket holes S1 and S2.
On the other hand, locking claws 57a, 57b, 57c are formed on the back side of the operation unit 3. The locking claws 57a, 57b, 57c are formed by cutting the side wall of the back cover 54 in a U-shape, and the tips of these claws protrude outside the socket holes S1, S2.
[0039]
When the operation unit 3 is mounted in the socket holes S1 and S2, when the base portion 52 is inserted into the socket holes S1 and S2, the locking claws 57a, 57b and 57c strike the hole surfaces of the socket holes S1 and S2 and are elastically deformed. To bend. Further, when the operation unit 3 is pushed in until the flange 51a hits the front panel 41, the locking claws 57a, 57b, 57c pass through the socket hole S2 of the rear panel 42 and are locked on the peripheral edge thereof. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the front panel 41 and the rear panel 42 are fixed between the flange 51a and the locking claws 57a, 57b, 57c.
[0040]
With the configuration in which the front panel 41 and the rear panel 42 are sandwiched between the flange 51a and the locking claws 57a, 57b, 57c in this manner, the operation unit 3 can be easily attached to the socket holes S1, S2 with one touch. Further, since the mounting state of the operation unit 3 is stabilized, the player can operate the operation buttons and the like with ease.
[0041]
When removing the operation unit 3, the screw 55 is removed from the state shown in FIG. 7 and the back cover 54 is removed. Then, since the locking claws 57a, 57b, 57c are separated from the rear panel 42 and disengaged, the operation unit 3 can be easily pulled out from the front panel 41 by pulling it out. Further, the operation unit 3 can be pulled out by pushing down the locking claws 57a, 57b, 57c to the inside of the socket S2.
[0042]
Next, a control example of the operation unit 3 will be described.
Operation signals from the operation buttons 3a, 3b, 3c are controlled by an operation control device 70 built in the operation unit 3 (see FIG. 13). The operation control device 70 is provided with switches for detecting operation signals from the operation buttons 3a, 3b, 3c, external output terminals, a control board 58, and the like.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 13, the wiring system of the pachinko machine 10 is mainly configured by a main control device 71 and a sub-control device 72 provided on the back of the game board. The main control device 71 manages the entire game, and is connected with the payout control device 36, the launch control device 73, the special winning opening terminal board 74, the winning switch 75, the external terminal board 76, and the like. The sub-control device 72 controls a game display such as a symbol display of a game board, lighting of a lamp, sound effects, and the like, and is connected to the symbol display device 12, a decoration lamp 77, an acoustic speaker 78, an operation control device 70, and the like. . In FIG. 13, arrows between blocks indicate the directions of input signals and output signals.
[0044]
When the operation buttons 3a, 3b, 3c are pressed, the operation signals are sent to the sub control device 72. The sub-controller 72 determines the content of the operation instructed by the player based on the operation signal, and sends an instruction signal to the symbol display device 12, the decoration lamp 77, the acoustic speaker 78 and the like to execute the operation.
Here, the signal between the main control device 71 and the sub-control device 72 flows unilaterally from the main control device 71 to the sub-control device 72 as shown by the arrow in FIG. Therefore, the sub control device 72 independently controls the symbol display, the lamp lighting, the sound effect, and the like based on the operation signal without sending the operation signal sent from the operation control device 70 to the main control device 71. With such a structure, even if an illegal signal is sent from the operation control device 70 to the sub-control device 72, the illegal operation does not reach the main control device 71, and the reliability of the game is enhanced.
[0045]
The operation content of the operation unit 3 is set in the control program of the sub control device 72. For example, the operation buttons 3a, 3b, 3c can be used for the operation of switching the character image displayed on the symbol display device 12.
[0046]
When switching the character image of the symbol display device 12, the player operates the operation buttons 3a, 3b, 3c as follows. As shown in FIG. 14, first, the operation button 3a for mode selection is pressed once, and the display setting of the symbol display device 12 is switched to the character selection mode (step S81). After switching to the character selection mode, the character image is switched by pressing the character selection operation button 3b or 3c (step S82). For example, when the operation button 3b is pressed, the setting number of the character image is switched to increase, and when the operation button 3c is pressed, the setting number of the character image is switched to decrease. By sequentially pressing the operation buttons 3b or 3c a required number of times, a character image desired by the player appears on the symbol display panel.
[0047]
When the player's favorite character image is determined (YES in step S83), the display setting of the symbol display device 12 is returned from the selection mode to the normal mode by pressing the operation button 3a again (step S84). On the other hand, if the character image is not determined, the character image is selected again by the operation buttons 3b and 3c (NO in step S83).
By properly using the operation buttons 3a to 3c in this manner, the character image of the symbol display device 12 can be freely switched according to the preference of the player.
[0048]
As described above, in the operation unit 3, the player can use the three operation buttons 3a to 3c. When these buttons are used for the character image switching operation as described above, the arrangement and number of the operation buttons 3a to 3c are easy for the player to operate. However, when changing the operation content performed by the player to another operation content, the arrangement and number of the operation buttons 3a to 3c are not always easy for the player to operate. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 3 is replaced with another operation unit 4, 5, 6, according to the operation performed by the player.
[0049]
The basic configuration of the operation units 4, 5, and 6 is the same as that of the operation unit 3 described above. The operation units 4, 5, and 6 have an operation section on the front side and a base section on the back side. The shape and dimensions of the base portion mounted in the socket holes S (S1, S2) are common to all of the units 3 to 6. Each of the operation units 4, 5, and 6 has the same flange and locking claw as the operation unit 3. Thus, the operation units 4, 5, and 6 can be mounted in the socket holes S in the same manner as the operation unit 3.
[0050]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation units of the operation units 4, 5, and 6 have different configurations for each unit.
The operation unit of the operation unit 4 includes a cross key 4a and an operation button 4b. The cross key 4a and the operation button 4b are suitable for, for example, an operation by which a player scrolls a background screen of the symbol display device 12. For example, the background image is moved up, down, left and right by the cross key 4a, and the scroll position is determined by the operation button 4b.
[0051]
The operation unit of the operation unit 5 is provided with a dial 5a and operation buttons 5b and 5c. The dial 5a and the operation buttons 5b and 5c are suitable for an operation of rotating a character image or the like of the symbol display device. For example, a character image is selected by the operation buttons 5b and 5c, and the direction of the selected image is rotated to a desired angle by the dial 5a.
[0052]
The operation unit of the operation unit 6 is not provided with operation means such as operation buttons. The surface of the operation unit is formed into a curved surface connected to the front panel 41. That is, the operation unit 6 is a blindfold unit for covering the socket holes S (S1, S2). Thus, when the operation unit 6 is selected when the operation of the player is not required, the operation buttons and the like are not exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10, so that the player does not needlessly perform the operation. Further, the appearance of the front panel 41 is also simplified.
[0053]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operation units such as operation buttons can be easily changed by selectively using the operation units 3 to 6. As a result, it is possible to realize the pachinko machine 10 with high expandability in which the player can enjoy various operations. In addition, since only the operation units 3 to 6 need to be replaced and other components need not be changed, manufacturing costs can be saved.
Further, since the operation units 3 to 6 are mounted at positions opposite to the handle 17, the operation units 3 to 6 can be operated with the left hand while pressing the handle 17 with the right hand. For this reason, the operation means of the operation units 3 to 6 can always be handled in a comfortable posture.
[0054]
When the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall, the operation units 3 to 6 may be prepared in advance on the game hall side. When the game board is installed on the pachinko machine 10, the operation units 3 to 6 that match the specifications of the game board are selected. When replacing the game board, the operation unit is selected again according to the specifications of the new game board.
By preparing the operation units 3 to 6 in the game hall in this way, even when introducing a game board having a different operation method by the player, it is possible to easily cope with only the operation of replacing the operation units 3 to 6. it can. In a model that does not require a player's operation, the appearance of the socket hole S does not become unnatural, and the operation buttons and the like do not become an obstacle by attaching the blindfold operation unit 6.
[0055]
Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can involve various changes.
In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the operation unit group is provided with a game participation unit group 90A and a game non-participation unit group 90B.
[0056]
The game participation type unit group 90A is for changing settings related to game content such as a symbol display device, and includes operation units 91 to 94.
The operation unit 91 has a cross key 91a and a set button 91a. For example, the character image and the background image are scrolled up, down, left, and right by the cross key 91a, and determined by the set button 91a.
The operation unit 92 has selection buttons 92a, 92b, 92c and a set button 92d. For example, a desired image is selected from selected images of characters and the like by the selection buttons 92a, 92b, 92c, and determined by the set button 92d.
The operation unit 93 has selection buttons 93a and 93b, and moves the arrow pointer displayed on the screen by, for example, tilting the operation stick 93a freely by 180 °. The character image or background image selected by the arrow pointer is determined by the set button 93b.
The operation unit 94 has stop buttons 94a, 94b, and 94c. By pressing the stop buttons 94a, 94b, and 94c, respectively, the changing left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol can be stopped.
[0057]
The non-gaming unit group 90b is for changing settings relating to the machine functions of the gaming machine, and includes operation units 95 and 96.
The operation unit 95 has knobs 95a and 95b. For example, the knob 95a is operated when adjusting the volume emitted from the speaker at the time of winning or the like, and the knob 95b is operated when adjusting the brightness of a decorative lamp or the like.
The operation unit 96 has a magnetic slit 96a and a display window 96b, and uses the slit 96a for reading a game ball management card, for example, and uses the display window 96b for displaying ball count information and the like.
[0058]
According to the present embodiment, when the operation content of the player is related to the game content, one of the operation units 91 to 94 is selected from the game participation type unit group 90A, and the operation content of the player is related to the device function. If, one of the operation units 95 and 96 is selected from the game non-participation unit group 90B. As described above, since the most suitable operation unit for a wide range of operation of the gaming machine can be selected, the expandability of the gaming machine becomes extremely high.
[0059]
In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, a new operation unit may be added as needed. The number, configuration, and arrangement of the operation buttons and the like are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate. Further, an operation unit such as a touch panel, an optical sensor, and a voice recognition sensor may be employed in the operation unit.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the following excellent effects can be obtained.
(A) The operation means such as operation buttons can be easily changed by replacing the operation unit.
(B) Since a plurality of operation units having different operation means can be attached to the gaming machine, expandability of the gaming machine is enhanced.
(C) It is possible to reduce the economic burden on the hall side when replacing a new stand.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view showing the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing an upper plate unit of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where the upper plate unit is opened.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an attached state of the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing a socket hole according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a rear view showing a socket hole according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an exploded side view showing the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a rear view showing the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining a control method of the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an operation unit (player participation type unit) according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an operation unit (player non-participation type unit) according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
3-6 Operation unit
3a to 3c Operation buttons (operation means)
4a Cross key (operation means)
4b Operation buttons (operation means)
5a dial (operation means)
5b, 5c Operation buttons (operation means)
10 gaming machines
11 Glass frame
12 Symbol display device
15 Upper plate unit
15a bulge
15b speaker
15c hinge part
16 Lower plate unit
17 Handle
21 aircraft frames
22 Front frame
30 Mechanical panel
41 Front panel
42 back panel
45 Support shaft (hinge mechanism)
46 Bearing (hinge mechanism)
47 Aids (hinge mechanism)
48 Picking (hinge mechanism)
49 Coil spring (hinge mechanism)
51 Operation unit
51a flange
52 Base
51b locking claw
54 Back cover
55 screws
57a-57c locking claw
58 Control board
90A player participatory unit group
90B Non-player type unit group
91 to 96 Operation unit
S (S1, S2) Socket hole
W window
L interval

Claims (1)

A gaming machine having an operation unit for a player to perform a predetermined operation,
A socket hole provided at a predetermined location of the gaming machine,
An operating unit group that is exchangeably attached to the socket hole,
Each operation unit constituting the operation unit group includes:
A common base portion detachably attached to the socket hole,
A gaming machine characterized in that an operating section having different operating means is provided for each unit, which can be operated by a player outside the socket hole.

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