JP2005185669A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine reducing a load acting on a shooting handle part. <P>SOLUTION: This Pachinko game machine 1 is provided with an outer frame 2, a font frame 4, a glass frame 6 and the like for constituting its frame body and, for example, the front frame 4, in its lower right position, is disposed with a handle unit 14 having the shooting handle. When a player operates the shooting handle, a ball shooting device incorporated in the Pachinko game machine 1 is actuated to hit a game ball inside a game area. In this case, the player firmly holds the shooting handle to easily act the load thereon, and therefore the periphery of the handle unit 14 is reinforced by a mechanism component to reduce the load acting on the shooting handle part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball in a game area.

  In this type of gaming machine, a ball launcher is operated by a player operating a launch handle, whereby a game ball is launched toward a game area. The launch handle is often used with a twist operation type (or a rotation operation type), and the player usually operates while holding the launch handle with one hand (for example, the right hand) while sitting on the seat. At this time, the strength of the hitting force can be adjusted according to the operation amount (twist angle) of the launch handle.

  During the game, the player must always operate the launch handle. If the player plays a game for a long time, the posture is fixed by the operation of the launch handle. Also, because the physique and body shape vary depending on the player, if the relationship between the seating position and the launching handle position is fixed almost uniformly, some players may be forced to take an unreasonable posture, causing fatigue. Yes.

  For this reason, various techniques have conventionally been proposed that allow the position of the firing handle to be adjusted. First, there is a technique related to a launch handle that can slide along the front surface of the gaming machine or change the position to the left and right (Patent Documents 1 to 3). According to this first prior art, even if there is a difference in the dominant arm (right-handed and left-handed) for each player, or there is a difference in physique or body shape, it is easy to play according to each player It is considered possible.

  Moreover, there exists a thing regarding the launching handle which can change direction as 2nd prior art (patent documents 4-7). In the second prior art, it is considered that operability is improved by changing the direction of the launch handle during the game, and fatigue is reduced even when the game is played for a long time.

Next, as a third conventional technique, there is a technique related to a launching handle that is movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the gaming machine (Patent Documents 8 to 10). According to the third prior art, the operation position of the launching handle can be changed in accordance with the player's posture, so that it is considered that the player can continue the game in an easy posture for himself / herself.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-34831 (2nd page, FIGS. 4 and 5) Japanese Patent No. 2811390 (2nd page, FIG. 1) JP 2001-149542 A (page 2-3, FIG. 6) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-113427 (2nd page, FIGS. 1 and 4) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-211317 (2nd page, FIG. 2) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-211318 (page 2-3, FIG. 2) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-24535 (page 2-3, FIGS. 2 and 4) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-45481 (second page, FIG. 1) JP 2002-253756 A (2nd page, FIG. 3) JP 2002-360802 A (second page, FIGS. 7 and 8)

  However, the first and third prior arts only give a linear (curve) change to the mounting position of the firing handle, and the second prior art can change the mounting angle of the firing handle in a certain direction. Just stop. For this reason, all of the first to third conventional techniques still have a problem that the degree of freedom of movement and position change of the firing handle is still insufficient, and the player's request cannot be met in a wider mode.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of increasing the degree of freedom of movement and position change of the launch handle and satisfying the player's request in a wider mode.

(Solution 1)
The present invention includes a frame that constitutes a main body of a gaming machine as its basic configuration, a game board that is supported by the frame to form a game area, and a ball launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area And a handle unit to which an operation member that can be operated by a player to operate the ball launching device is attached, and a support mechanism that supports the handle unit with respect to the frame body.

(Solution 2)
The following solution 2 constitutes the first invention, and the first invention has as its basic structure a frame constituting the main body of the gaming machine, and a game board which is supported by this frame and forms a game area. And a ball launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area. The gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention further includes a handle unit that is disposed on the front side of the frame body and has an operation member that can be operated by a player to operate the ball launcher, and a front side of the frame body. A plane movable mechanism that movably supports the handle unit within a predetermined plane, and a handle unit that is fixed to the frame at a desired position within the predetermined plane, while the handle unit is fixed according to the player's operation. And a releasable positioning mechanism.

  In the first invention, first, the handle unit is movable in the direction of a predetermined plane (two-dimensional). The “predetermined plane on the front side” in the first invention includes not only the front surface of the frame body and a vertical plane along the same but also various planes such as a horizontal plane and an inclined plane. In the first invention, after the handle unit is moved in the direction of a predetermined plane, the handle unit is fixed at a desired position by the positioning mechanism, and the fixed state is released according to the player's operation. Therefore, the degree of freedom in changing the position of the handle unit is higher than in a simple linear movement, and it is possible to easily meet a wider range of player requirements. Further, when the player performs an operation of releasing the fixed state of the handle unit, the handle unit can be moved in the plane direction by the plane movable mechanism, so that the position of the handle unit can be easily changed.

(Solution 3)
In the above solution 2, the planar movable mechanism is realized by the following configuration. That is, the plane movable mechanism includes a first guide member that slidably guides the handle unit in the vertical direction with respect to the frame body, and a second guide member that slidably guides the handle unit in the lateral direction with respect to the frame body. And a slide coupling member that couples the handle unit to one of the first and second guide members, and allows sliding displacement of the handle unit relative to both the first and second guide members in this coupled state. It is out.

  By such an aspect, the movement of the handle unit in the plane direction is specifically realized. In the solving means 3, “vertical direction” represents one direction within a predetermined plane, and this includes not only the vertical direction but also the front-rear direction. The “lateral direction” represents another direction on a predetermined plane. In this case, the handle unit can be simply moved linearly in either the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, and a linear movement or a curved movement in an oblique direction combining both directions can be easily realized. Further, since the slide connecting member can slide with respect to both the first and second guide members, even if the handle unit is moved in a complicated manner by combining the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, the slide connecting member moves. Therefore, the movement of the handle unit becomes extremely smooth.

(Solution 4)
In the solving means 2 and 3, the positioning mechanism is realized by the following configuration. That is, the positioning mechanism is disposed on the frame body, and has an engaging member having a concavo-convex surface on the front side thereof, an engaging portion formed on the handle unit and engageable with the concavo-convex surface of the engaging member, and the handle unit. A biasing member that is built in and generates a biasing force in a direction in which the handle unit is brought into close contact with the engaging member, and allows the handle unit to be detached from the engaging member against the biasing force by a player's operation. Yes.

  According to such a configuration, the handle unit is normally pressed against the engaging member by the biasing force of the biasing member, and the handle unit is positioned in this state. On the other hand, the fixed state is easily released simply by the player pulling the handle unit away from the engaging member against the urging force, so that the handle unit can be moved to a desired position as it is. Further, if the player cancels the operation of pulling away the handle unit at a desired position, the handle unit is automatically positioned there, so that the mode is extremely convenient.

(Solution 5)
The following solution 5 constitutes the second invention, and the second invention has, as its basic structure, a frame constituting the main body of the gaming machine and a game board which is supported by this frame and forms a game area. And a ball launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area. Furthermore, the gaming machine of the second invention is provided along a predetermined attachment axis on the front surface side of the frame body, and a handle unit to which an operation member operable by a player to operate the ball launching device is attached, and a handle A spherical movable mechanism that supports the operation member so that the operation member can be displaced along a spherical curved surface formed with reference to the mounting axis of the unit, and the spherical curved surface described above by giving moderation to the displacement of the operation member A moderation mechanism is provided that allows the displacement angle of the operating member relative to the mounting axis of the handle unit to be adjusted in a plurality of stages.

  In the second invention, first, the angle of the firing handle with respect to the attachment axis of the handle unit can be changed along a predetermined spherical curved surface, so that it can be widely adjusted to an angle suitable for the player. Furthermore, in the second invention, moderation is given to the displacement of the firing handle in a plurality of stages, so that the angle of the firing handle is easily maintained stably at each stage, and the player feels a good operation feeling. Can do. The “spherical curved surface” includes not only a non-flat spherical surface (true spherical surface) but also a flat spherical surface. The “spherical curved surface” may have either a convex shape or a concave shape.

(Solution 6)
In the above solution 5, the spherical movable mechanism is realized by the following configuration. That is, the spherical movable mechanism has a spherical guide member having a guide surface constituted by the spherical curved surface and a guided surface constituted by a spherical curved surface opposite to the guide surface of the spherical guide member. Is connected along the guide surface of the spherical guide member, and the operation member is connected to the handle unit via the movable member. In this connected state, the operation member and the movable member are integrally displaced with respect to the handle unit. And a movable connecting member that permits the operation.

  According to such an aspect, as a result of the firing handle being guided to the spherical guide member via the movable member, the angle of the firing handle can be specifically changed. Particularly in this solution means 6, since the firing handle is guided by the combination of the guide surface and the guided surface, a smooth guide operation like a so-called ball joint can be easily realized. Here, when the guide surface has a convex shape, the guided surface opposite to this has a concave shape, and conversely, when the guide surface has a concave shape, the guided surface opposite to this has a convex shape.

(Solution 7)
In the solving means 6 described above, the moderation mechanism is formed to protrude from one of the guide surface and the guided surface that is a concave surface, and a projecting portion that is annularly connected on the concave surface, and a convex surface of the guide surface and the guided surface. Between the operating member and the movable member, and a recess formed in an annular shape on the convex surface to fit the protruding portion for each displacement angle of the operating member that can be adjusted in multiple stages by the moderation mechanism. And a biasing member that generates a biasing force in a direction in which the movable member is brought into close contact with the guide surface, and that allows the movable member to be detached from the guide surface against the biasing force by a player's operation. Is preferred. Since the guide surface of the spherical guide member and the guided surface of the movable member need only be in a relationship of a convex surface and a concave surface facing each other, which of the guide surface and the guided surface is a convex surface and which is a concave surface? There is no limitation.

  By such an aspect, the structure of the moderation mechanism becomes extremely useful. For example, when the guide surface of the spherical guide member is a convex surface and the guided surface of the movable member is a concave surface, the operation member including the movable member can be displaced along the outside of the guide surface. Further, in this case, the movable member is pressed against the spherical guide member by the urging force of the urging member, and the protruding portion of the movable member can be fitted into the recess of the guide surface. As a result, the firing handle is securely held by the moderation mechanism, and the posture can be stabilized at all adjustable stages.

  Further, in the solving means 7, the following two modes can be used when the player changes the angle of the firing handle.

  (1) The player can adjust the displacement angle of the firing handle step by step while moving the firing handle in a desired direction while operating the moderation mechanism. At this time, if the projecting portion of the movable member comes out of the recess on the guide surface by moving the firing handle, the posture is temporarily released, but the player further moves the firing handle. As a result, the protrusion fits into the next recess, and the attitude of the firing handle is newly maintained there. By such a series of operations, moderation is imparted to the displacement of the firing handle.

  (2) The player can release the movable member from the guide surface against the urging force of the urging member by his / her own operation and release the fitting between the protruding portion and the recessed portion in advance. In this state, since the moderation mechanism does not act, the player can freely displace the firing handle to a desired angle. Also, when the player cancels the operation of the movable member with the firing handle displaced, the projecting portion of the movable member is re-fitted into the recess at the displacement destination, so the moderation mechanism acts there, and the launching handle Good posture is maintained.

(Solution 8)
In the solution means 7 described above, the protruding portion may be formed on the other convex surface, and the concave portion may be formed on the one concave surface. That is, in the moderation mechanism, moderation is given to the displacement angle of the operation member by fitting the annular protrusion and the recess, so that the relative positional relationship between the protrusion and the recess is the same. The same function can be realized regardless of which is formed on the concave surface or the convex surface.

(Solution 9)
Alternatively, in the above solution 7 or 8, the annular recess is arranged on a convex surface or a concave surface with a circle centered on the mounting axis in a state where there is no displacement angle of the operating member with respect to the mounting axis. In a state where there is a displacement angle of the operation member with respect to the axis, a mode in which a circle centering on a hypothetical oblique axis that branches at a displacement angle from the attachment axis on the convex surface or the concave surface is preferable. Further, the annular projecting portion is arranged on a concave surface or a convex surface so as to draw a circle, and when there is no displacement angle of the operating member with respect to the mounting axis, the annular projecting portion is fitted to the concave portion drawn around the mounting axis. Is held at a position along the mounting axis, while the operation member is held in a posture with a displacement angle by fitting it into a recess drawn around the oblique axis when there is a displacement angle of the operation member with respect to the mounting axis. This embodiment is preferable.

  In the case of such an aspect, the above-mentioned guide surface or guided surface (on the convex surface or on the concave surface) is formed with a plurality of concave portions (at least two locations with or without the displacement angle of the operation member), The displacement angle of the operating member is maintained by fitting the protrusion to the recess at one location. Therefore, since the setting of the displacement angle that can be adjusted by the moderation mechanism is specified by the position and the number of places where the recess is formed, for example, the moderation mechanism attempts to adjust the displacement angle of the operation member in N stages. If it is a case, what is necessary is just to form a dent part in N location of said guide surface or to-be-guided surface (on a convex surface or a concave surface).

(Solution 10)
Further, in the solving means 9, the oblique axis is defined in plural by branching from the attachment axis at least in the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction and the oblique direction with respect to the frame, and each of the plurality of oblique axes corresponds to the convex surface or An aspect in which the displacement angle of the operation member can be adjusted in a plurality of directions by fitting with the protrusions by forming the recessed portions on the concave surface at a plurality of locations is more preferable.

  As described above, since the operating member can be displaced along the spherical curved surface with respect to the mounting axis by the spherical movable mechanism, the operating member is structurally omnidirectional (360 ° direction) with respect to the mounting axis. The displacement angle can be adjusted. For this reason, if the depressions are formed at a plurality of locations corresponding to the oblique axes branched at least in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the diagonal direction, the displacement angle of the operating member can be adjusted in a wide range by the moderation mechanism.

(Solution 11)
Further, in the solving means 10, the oblique axis is further branched and defined from the attachment axis in each of the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction and the oblique direction, and a plurality of dent portions are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of oblique axes. An aspect in which the displacement angle of the operation member can be adjusted in a plurality of stages in each direction by being formed at the locations and by fitting with the protrusions is preferable.

  According to such an aspect, since the displacement angle of the operation member can be adjusted in a plurality of stages with respect to a certain direction, the movable range (vertical direction, horizontal direction, and oblique direction) of the operation member by the spherical movable mechanism is effectively used. While utilizing, the displacement angle can be finely adjusted in each direction.

(Solution 12)
Further, in the above solution means 7 to 11, the annular projecting portion and the recessed portion are formed in a double shape, and the multiple protruded portion and the recessed portion are fitted together at a plurality of stages. May be.

  When the moderation mechanism is made to function as described above, the protruding portion rubs against the guide surface (or guided surface) by the urging force of the urging member until the protruding portion comes out of the recessed portion and moves to the next stage. If these are used for a long time, the protrusion may be worn. Even in such a case, if the protrusion is formed in a double (at least double), even if one of them wears out, the other fits securely into the recess, The function of the moderation mechanism can be maintained effectively.

(Solution means 13)
The following solving means 13 constitutes the third invention, and the third invention has, as its basic structure, a frame constituting the main body of the gaming machine and a game board which is supported by this frame and forms a game area. And a ball launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area. Furthermore, a gaming machine according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a handle unit, which is disposed along a predetermined attachment axis on the front side of the frame body and to which an operation member that can be operated by a player to operate the ball launcher is attached, A plane movable mechanism for supporting the handle unit movably in a plane along the front surface of the body, and fixing the handle unit to a frame body at a desired position in the plane along the front surface, while the player A positioning mechanism capable of releasing the fixation of the handle unit in accordance with the operation of the handle, and a spherical movable mechanism that supports the operation member so that the operation member can be displaced along a spherical curved surface formed with reference to the attachment axis of the handle unit. And a moderation mechanism that makes it possible to adjust the displacement angle of the operation member with respect to the mounting axis of the handle unit on a spherical curved surface by giving moderation to the displacement of the operation member in a plurality of stages. It is provided.

  Since the third invention described above comprises the configurations of the first invention and the second invention together, it is useful that the handle unit can be moved in the plane direction and that the attachment angle of the firing handle can be changed along the spherical surface. Can be combined with sex. For this reason, the third aspect of the invention can realize a wider variety of adjustment ranges with a high degree of freedom, and can satisfy a wide range of player demands according to the player's diagonal, body shape, preferences, and the like.

(Fourth invention)
Next, the fourth invention will be described. The fourth invention is not limited to the technical field of gaming machines, and relates to an articulated joint device that uses a movable mechanism or a moderation mechanism to connect predetermined members.

(Background of the fourth invention)
Not only in the technical field of gaming machines, but when two members are movably connected, for example, the two members are movable flexibly, and the displacement angle is stepped by giving moderation to the displacement of the members. If it can be adjusted, it is recognized that the industrial utility value for various applications is increased (for example, a joint part of a robot arm, a movable part of a doll model, an operation stick part of a controller for a game machine).

(Problem to be solved by the fourth invention)
However, taking as an example the handle (see FIG. 5 of Patent Document 4) that can change the orientation in the second prior art, the angle of the member is changed in various directions using the flexibility of the flexible pipe. However, at this time, there is no clear moderation in the movement of the member, and the operator simply feels the operational feeling of twisting and twisting.

  Accordingly, the fourth invention has an object to provide a technique capable of adjusting an angle with a clear sense of moderation while securing a wide movable range when two members are connected in a movable manner.

(Solution 14)
In the fourth aspect of the invention, the following joint joint device is provided. In other words, the joint joint device according to the fourth aspect of the invention is provided with at least two members connected to each other along a predetermined mounting axis, and is disposed between the two members, and is formed with reference to the mounting axis with respect to the mounting axis. A spherical movable mechanism that supports the two members so as to be relatively displaceable along the spherical curved surface, and a moderation is given to the relative displacement of the two members, whereby the attachment axis on the spherical curved surface And a moderation mechanism that allows the displacement angle between the two members to be adjusted in a plurality of stages.

  One of the two members may be fixed and the other may be movable, or both may be movable together. In any case, since the two members can be relatively displaced by the spherical movable mechanism, a wide movable range is secured. Further, moderation is imparted to the relative displacement of the two members by the moderation mechanism, and the displacement angle can be adjusted in a plurality of stages, so that the operator can handle the member with a comfortable operation feeling. The “spherical curved surface” includes not only a non-flat spherical surface (true spherical surface) but also a flat spherical surface. The “spherical curved surface” may have either a convex shape or a concave shape as in the second invention.

(Solution 15)
In the solving means 14, the spherical movable mechanism is realized by the following configuration. That is, the spherical movable mechanism has a guide surface formed on one of the two members and configured by the above-described spherical curved surface, and a guided surface configured by a spherical curved surface opposite to the guide surface. Is connected along the guide surface of the spherical guide member, and the other member is connected to one member via the movable member, and the other member and the movable member are connected to one member in this connected state. And a movable connecting member that allows relative and relative displacement.

  By such an aspect, as a result of the other member being guided along the guide surface via the movable member, the relative angle between the two members can be specifically changed. In particular, since the two members are guided by the combination of the guide surface and the guided surface, the solution means 15 can easily realize a smooth guide operation like a so-called ball joint. Here, when the guide surface has a convex shape, the guided surface opposite to this has a concave shape, and conversely, when the guide surface has a concave shape, the guided surface opposite to this has a convex shape.

(Solution 16)
In the solving means 15, the moderation mechanism is formed so as to protrude from one of the guide surface and the guided surface that is a concave surface, and a projecting portion that is annularly connected on the concave surface, and a convex surface of the guide surface and the guided surface. A recess formed in an annular shape on the convex surface to fit the protrusion at each relative displacement angle between the two members that can be adjusted in a plurality of stages by a moderation mechanism, and the two members The movable member is inserted between the other member and the movable member to generate a biasing force in a direction in which the movable member is in close contact with the guide surface, and the movable member can be detached from the guide surface against the biasing force by an external operation. An embodiment including an urging member is preferable. Note that the guide surface and the guided surface need only have a convex surface and a concave surface opposite to each other, so there is no limitation on which of the guide surface and the guided surface is a convex surface and which is a concave surface.

(Solution 17)
In the solving means 16, the protrusion may be formed on the other convex surface, and the recess may be formed on the one concave surface. That is, in the moderation mechanism, moderation is given to the displacement angle of the operation member by fitting the annular protrusion and the recess, so that the relative positional relationship between the protrusion and the recess is the same. The same function can be realized regardless of which is formed on the concave surface or the convex surface.

  The gaming machine of the present invention greatly improves the degree of freedom and adjustment range of the movement and position change of the launch handle, and can contribute to reducing the player's fatigue and improving the playability in a wider manner.

  The articulated joint device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention can give a clear moderation to the displacement while flexibly allowing the relative displacement of the two members, thereby realizing a light operation feeling.

  Hereinafter, various embodiments in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described along the following items with reference to the corresponding drawings.

1. 1. Basic configuration of gaming machine 2. Handle unit Planar movable mechanism 3-1. First and second guide members 3-2. Slide connecting member 3-3. 3. Installation of slide connecting member and base part Components of positioning mechanism 4-1. Engagement member 4-2. Engagement section 4-3. 4. Energizing member Configuration of joint portion 5-1. Installation of base part and parts 5-2. Installation of joint part and base part 6. Internal structure of handle unit 6-1. Installation of front part 6-2. Mounting to a plane movable mechanism 6-3. 6. Details of base part Function of planar movable mechanism 8. Function of positioning mechanism 9. 10. Range of movement of handle unit Spherical movable mechanism 10-1. Basic function of joint 10-2. 10. Guide function of joint part Moderation mechanism 11-1. Function of moderation mechanism 11-2. Example of structure of moderation mechanism 12. Example of use of handle unit 13. Configuration example of pachinko machine 14. Reference to other embodiments.

(1. Basic configuration of gaming machine)
FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a pachinko machine 1 suitable as various embodiments. As is well known, the pachinko machine 1 is configured with a wooden outer frame 2 as an outer base, and a base frame, a front frame 4, a glass frame 6, etc. (not shown) are collectively referred to as a “frame”. .) Among these, a game board 8 is fitted into the base frame, and a substantially circular game area is formed on the board surface of the game board 8. In the game area, there are guide rails, many guide nails, windmills, various winning holes, various bonuses, decorative lamps, decorative bodies, etc., and the game played by the pachinko machine 1 is a game ball that is launched within the game area It progresses while exercising variously.

  In addition, an upper plate 10 and a lower plate 12 are provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1, and a handle unit 14 is provided at the lower right corner of the front frame 4. In addition, a ball tank, a tank rail, a back set, various control boards and the like (all not shown) are provided on the back of the pachinko machine 1.

  A ball launching device (not shown) is disposed inside the frame, and this ball launching device hits a game ball taken in from the upper plate 10 with a hitting ball or a plunger. The hit ball rises along the launch rail and the guide rail, and is released to a position above the game area. In addition, a well-known structure can be applied to a ball | bowl launcher, The description is abbreviate | omitted here.

(2. Handle unit)
FIG. 2 shows the handle unit 14 in an exploded state. The handle unit 14 is mainly composed of three parts, and these constituent parts are arranged in a line from the near side to the back along the virtual attachment axis L1.

  Specifically, the front portion 16 is disposed at a position closest to the handle unit 14, and the front portion 16 has a firing handle 16a that serves as an operation member. The firing handle 16a can be twisted (rotated) while being held by the player. At this time, only the firing handle 16a is rotated separately from the other parts.

  On the mounting axis L <b> 1, a joint portion 18 is disposed next to the front portion 16 when viewed from the front side, and a base portion 20 is disposed following the joint portion 18. As shown in FIG. 2, various components are arranged between the joint portion 18 and the base portion 20, and these components are the joint portion 18 or the base portion 20 in the assembled state of the handle unit 14. It is to be housed inside.

  As described above, the handle unit 14 is composed of the three portions of the front portion 16, the joint portion 18, and the base portion 20, and these component portions are integrated with each other and the handle unit 14 is attached to the attachment axis L1. Composed above. The attachment axis L1 is orthogonal to the front surface of the pachinko machine 1, and therefore the handle unit 14 projects horizontally from the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 in its basic posture.

  A plane movable mechanism 22 is provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1, that is, the front frame 4, and the handle unit 14 is attached to the front frame 4 via the plane movable mechanism 22.

(3. Planar movable mechanism)
FIG. 3 shows the plane movable mechanism 22 in more detail. The plane movable mechanism 22 includes a frame plate 24 whose outer shape is substantially rectangular, and the frame plate 24 is fixed to the front frame 4 by, for example, screwing. For example, the frame plate 24 is formed by bending a metal blank, and a bracket 24a for performing the above-described screwing is provided on one side edge portion (in this example, the left side edge portion when viewed from the front). Is formed to protrude laterally.

  A central portion of the frame plate 24 is greatly punched into a rectangular shape, thereby forming an opening 24b. Guide tabs 24c and 24d are formed on the four sides around the opening 24b by cutting them upward, and the guide tabs 24c and 24d form a pair in the vertical and horizontal directions. Each of the guide tabs 24c and 24d extends in the direction along the four sides of the opening 24b, and a guide slit 24e extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in each of the guide tabs 24c and 24d.

(3-1. First and second guide members)
On the near side of the frame plate 24, round guide rods 26 and 28 are combined with the guide tabs 24c and 24d, respectively. Of these, one guide rod 26 is disposed vertically extending between a pair of upper and lower guide tabs 24c, and the other guide rod 28 is disposed horizontally between a pair of left and right guide tabs 24d. Has been placed. Roller-shaped sliders 26a and 28a are attached to both ends of each of the guide rods 26 and 28, and both the sliders 26a and 28a are slidably fitted to the guide slit 24e. For this reason, one guide rod 26 can slide in the horizontal direction on the front side of the frame plate 24, and the other guide rod 28 can slide in the vertical direction.

(3-2. Slide connecting member)
The planar movable mechanism 22 has two slide connecting members 30 for connecting the handle unit 14. In this embodiment, the slide connecting member 30 is combined with one guide rod 26. The slide connecting member 30 is formed, for example, by bending a metal belt-like material into a U shape, and is arranged so that the end of the bent portion (the bottom of the U shape) protrudes from the frame plate 24. Further, the slide connecting member 30 is hooked so as to wrap the guide rod 26 inside the bent portion, and in this state, the slide connecting member 30 can be slid in the vertical direction along the outer peripheral surface of the guide rod 26.

  The two slide connecting members 30 are arranged one above the other with the guide rod 28 (horizontal) sandwiched between them. Therefore, the two slide connecting members 30 move up and down along the guide rod 26 (vertically long). When the slide is displaced, the guide rod 28 sandwiched therebetween is also slid together. Conversely, when the slide connecting member 30 is slid along the guide rod 26 in the horizontal direction, the guide rod 28 sandwiched between them does not move, and only the slide connecting member 30 slides relative to the guide rod 28. can do.

(3-3. Mounting of slide connecting member and base)
The two slide connecting members 30 extend from the guide rod 26 toward the front side, and both end portions thereof are inserted into the base portion 20 of the handle unit 14. In the base portion 20, four insertion holes 20 a (only one is clearly shown in FIG. 3) are formed corresponding to both tip portions of the slide connecting member 30. As seen in FIG. 3, the four insertion holes 20a are arranged in two upper and lower stages, and two upper and lower stages are arranged side by side on the left and right. Therefore, both end portions of the slide connecting member 30 can be inserted into the base portion 20 through the corresponding insertion holes 20a.

  Both end portions of the slide connecting member 30 protrude toward the front side while being inserted into the base portion 20. On the other hand, the base 20 is formed with a pair of upper and lower bosses 20b on the front side as seen in FIG. 3, and each boss 20b is located at the center of the two insertion holes 20a arranged side by side on the upper and lower stages. positioned. In addition, a stud screw 32 is screwed into each boss 20b from the front side of the base portion 20. At this time, the stud screw 32 is connected to the locking member 34 and the coil spring 36 (compression spring) from the front side. It is inserted in order.

  The locking member 34 has a rectangular flange shape, and an insertion hole 34a for the stud screw 32 is formed at the center thereof, and claw portions 34b that protrude from both side edges are formed. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 34 a is formed sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the stud screw 32, so that the locking member 34 is slidable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the stud screw 32.

  The one claw portion 34 b is for locking the slide connecting member 30 with respect to the locking member 34, and for this reason, a locking hole 30 a is formed at each end of the slide connecting member 30. That is, when the slide connecting member 30 is inserted into the base portion 20, both end portions protrude to the front side of the base portion 20 as described above. In this state, when the locking member 34 is sandwiched between the both ends of the slide connecting member 30, the claw portions 34b on both sides are inserted into the corresponding locking holes 30a and locked. The stop member 34 can no longer be pulled out from between both ends of the slide connecting member 30 to the labor side.

(4. Components of positioning mechanism)
Next, the positioning mechanism of the handle unit 14 will be described by dividing it into several components.

(4-1. Engagement member)
The frame plate 24 is fixed in a state where the projection plate 40 is fitted into the opening 24b. On the surface of the projection plate 40, a large number of protrusions 40a (only a part of the protrusions 40a are attached) are formed, and these protrusions 40a uniformly protrude toward the front side. Further, all the projections 40a are arranged in a lattice pattern on the front surface of the projection plate 40, and therefore, a predetermined interval is secured around the projections 40a. Each protrusion 40a has a substantially quadrangular prism shape, and the front end portion thereof is formed into a quadrangular pyramid shape.

(4-2. Engagement part)
A plurality of engaging portions 20 c are formed in the base portion 20 at positions facing the projection plate 40. These engaging portions 20c protrude from the base portion 20 to the back side, and when the base portion 20 comes into contact with the projection plate 40 as a whole, each engaging portion 20c fits into a gap between the protrusions 40a. Further, since the engaging portion 20c is disposed so as to straddle the guide rods 26, 28 in both the upper, lower, left, and right directions, the engaging portion 20c does not interfere with the guide rods 26, 28. The engagement relationship between the projection plate 40 and the engagement portion 20c will be described in detail later.

(4-3. Energizing member)
The coil spring 36 is sandwiched between the base portion 20 and the locking member 34 in a state of being fitted to the outer periphery of the boss 20b. Further, when the stud screw 32 is screwed into the boss 20b, the locking member 34 cannot be pulled out from the stud screw 32 to the near side, so that the repulsive force of the coil spring 36 is received by the base portion 20 and the locking member 34, respectively. It will be. Since the outer diameter of the coil spring 36 is sufficiently smaller than the distance between the two end portions of the slide connecting member 30, the coil spring 36 does not interfere with the both end portions of the slide connecting member 30. The function of the coil spring 36 will be described later together with the engagement relationship between the projection plate 40 and the engagement portion 20c.

(5. Configuration of joint part)
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the joint portion 18 of the handle unit 14 in more detail. Here, in order to improve visibility, reference numerals are given only to parts necessary for the description, and illustrations of the parts already described are omitted.

  The joint part 18 includes a spherical guide 42 and a movable paddle 44, and the spherical guide 42 on the back side is combined with the base part 20. The spherical guide 42 includes a hollow cylindrical portion 42a and a hemispherical portion 42b, which form a solid with the virtual attachment axis L1 as the center. The hemispherical portion 42b has a hemispherical shape that is convex toward the front as viewed in FIG. 4, and a circular opening is formed at the top.

  One movable paddle 44 is composed of two large and small cup-shaped portions 44a and 44b, which also form a solid centered on the attachment axis L1. The two cup-shaped parts 44a and 44b are integrally connected in a manner that the backs are just abutted with each other, and the cup-shaped part 44a located on the near side as viewed in FIG. 4 has a larger diameter. Further, the inner side of the cup-shaped portion 44 b located on the back side is formed as a hemispherical concave surface, and this concave surface substantially matches the surface (spherical surface) of the hemispherical portion 42 b of the spherical guide 42. A through hole 44c is formed at the center of the movable paddle 44, and the through hole 44c extends along the attachment axis L1.

(5-1. Attaching the base and parts)
An arm holder 20d is formed on the front side of the base portion 20 at the center position. The arm holder 20d protrudes from the base portion 20 toward the front side, and is formed so that the protruding end portion is divided into two branches, and the swing arm 46 is attached between the two branches. The swing arm 46 has a long and thin flat plate shape, and its base end portion is formed in an elliptical shape. A long hole 46a is formed in the base end portion, and a cylindrical sleeve 48 is gently fitted in the long hole 46a. The long diameter of the long hole 46a is sufficiently large with respect to the outer diameter of the sleeve 48. Therefore, the swing arm 46 can be rotated not only in the vertical direction around the sleeve 48 but also in the horizontal direction. It has become.

  The projecting end portion of the arm holder 20d divided into two forks is formed with an insertion hole 20e on both of them, and the insertion hole 20e is on the same line (in the direction perpendicular to the mounting axis L1). It extends to penetrate. The swing arm 46 is inserted between the projecting end portion of the arm holder 20d together with the sleeve 48 at the base end, and in this state, a pin (not shown) is inserted into the arm holder 20d through the insertion hole 20a. It has become. At this time, since the pin is also inserted into the sleeve 48, the swing arm 46 is pin-connected to the arm holder 20d at the base end portion.

  On the other hand, a handle core 50 is attached to the tip of the swing arm 46, and the tip of the swing arm 46 is inserted into the handle core 50 from the back side. The handle core 50 is formed with a screw hole 50b leading from the side to the inside, and the swing arm 46 is screwed in a state of being inserted into the handle core 50.

  The handle core 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and its longitudinal direction coincides with the direction of the attachment axis L1. Three V-shaped engagement grooves 50a extending in the longitudinal direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the handle core 50, and these engagement grooves 50a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

(5-2. Attachment of joint part and base part)
The base portion 20 has a circular rim portion 20f formed around the attachment axis L1, and the rim portion 20f can be fitted inside the spherical guide 42 (cylindrical portion 42a). In a state where the base portion 20 is fitted in the spherical guide 42, the tip end portion of the swing arm 46 projects toward the front side of the spherical guide 42 together with the handle core 50. Further, when the movable paddle 44 is attached to the front side of the spherical guide 42 in this state, the handle core 50 is inserted into the through hole 44c. Three engagement protrusions 44d extending in the direction of the attachment axis L1 are formed on the inner periphery of the through hole 44c, and these engagement protrusions 44d have a shape that matches the engagement groove 50a of the handle core 50. . Therefore, the handle core 50 and the movable paddle 44 are in a fitting relationship by spline coupling, and the displacement around the attachment axis L1 is restrained. On the other hand, the inner diameter of the through hole 44c is sufficiently larger than the outer shape of the handle core 50, and therefore the handle core 50 is relatively slidable in the direction of the attachment axis L1 within the through hole 44c.

  Although not shown in FIG. 4, the front portion 16 is attached to the front side of the joint portion 18. At this time, a coil spring 52 (compression spring) is disposed on the front side of the movable paddle 44, and the coil spring 52 is compressed and sandwiched between the movable paddle 44 and the front portion 16. The through hole 44c is formed in a stepped shape on the front side of the movable paddle 44, and the coil spring 52 is fitted into the stepped portion 44g.

(6. Internal structure of handle unit)
FIG. 5 shows the internal structure of the handle unit 14 in more detail. When all the above-described components are combined, the handle unit 14 is attached to the planar movable mechanism 22 in an assembled state as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, reference numerals are assigned only to necessary parts and reference numerals are omitted as appropriate for parts that have already been described.

(6-1. Attaching the front part)
As shown in FIG. 5, the front portion 16 has a front cap 16b and a rear cap 16c in addition to the firing handle 16a. The front cap 16b is located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1, and the rear cap 16c is located on the opposite side. The front cap 16b and the rear cap 16c are connected to each other so that the firing handle 16a is sandwiched therebetween. The front cap 16b and the rear cap 16c support the firing handle 16a so that the firing handle 16a can be rotated by a predetermined angle. The built-in torsion spring (not shown) supports the firing handle 16a as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1. It is energized clockwise. In addition, since a well-known thing is applicable about such a support structure and urging | biasing structure of the launching handle 16a, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted with illustration here.

  A mounting hole 16d is formed in the rear cap 16c, and the distal end portion of the handle core 50 is inserted into the mounting hole 16d in the mounting state shown in FIG. The mounting hole 16d is formed in the same shape as the through hole 44c of the movable paddle 44, that is, a shape substantially matching the outer shape of the handle core 50, and therefore the handle core 50 and the front portion 16 cannot be rotated relatively. Splined in state. Further, in this state, the screw 54 is screwed into the handle core 50 from the inside of the rear cap 16c, whereby the front portion 16 is connected to the base portion 20 via the joint portion 18. Further, the mounting hole 16d is also formed in a stepped shape, and the coil spring 52 is fitted into the stepped portion 16e.

  When the front portion 16 is attached to the base portion 20, the coil spring 52 is inserted between the front portion 16 and the movable paddle 44 in a compressed state as described above. Since the movable paddle 44 is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the handle core 50, the movable paddle 44 is pressed against the spherical guide 42 by the repulsive force of the coil spring 52. At this time, the movable paddle 44 is pressed against the spherical guide 42 and displacement relative to the spherical guide 42 is restricted, so that the joint portion 18 can support the weight of the front portion 16.

(6-2. Mounting to a plane movable mechanism)
Next, attachment of the handle unit 14 to the planar movable mechanism 22 will be described. The slide connecting member 30 and the base portion 20 can slide relative to each other. When the repulsive force of the coil spring 36 is received by both the locking member 34 and the base portion 20, the repelling force is applied to the slide connecting member 30. Acts in a direction to relatively pull in the inside of the base portion 20. However, since the slide connecting member 30 is hooked on the guide rod 26, when this is considered as a fixed member, the repulsive force of the coil spring 36 acts in the direction of pressing the entire handle unit 14 against the planar movable mechanism 22. . At this time, the base portion 20 is pressed against the projection plate 40 with the engaging portion 20c at the top, and is brought into a pressure-bonded state therewith, whereby the weight of the entire handle unit 14 is supported by the planar movable mechanism 22. Become.

  Further, the horizontally long guide rod 28 is sandwiched between the upper and lower engaging portions 20c in a state where the base portion 20 is pressure-bonded to the projection plate 40 as described above. A space between the upper and lower engaging portions 20c is cut out in a U shape, and the guide rod 28 is inserted into the cutout. On the other hand, the abutting portion 20g protruding from the base portion 20 abuts on the vertically long guide rod 26. The abutting portions 20g are provided in a pair of upper and lower portions, and the tip of each abutting portion 20g is formed in an arcuate surface shape so as to match the outer peripheral surface of the guide rod 26.

(6-3. Details of base part)
FIG. 6 shows the base portion 20 alone. When combined with the front of the pachinko machine 1, (c) in FIG. 6 is a front view of the base portion 20, and (b) in FIG. 6 is a rear view. Similarly, FIG. 6A is a plan view and FIG. 6D is a right side view. The bottom view and the left side view are represented symmetrically with the plan view and the right side view, respectively.

  As shown in the front view of FIG. 6C, the base portion 20 is formed with two insertion holes 20a through which the slide connecting member 30 is inserted in two stages. Further, when viewed in the left-right direction, the upper and lower bosses 20b and the arm holder 20d are arranged on the center line of the base portion 20, and the arm holder 20d is located at the center as viewed on the center line.

  Further, as shown in the rear view of FIG. 6B, each engagement portion 20c has an L-shaped (mountain) cross-sectional shape, and the four engagement portions 20c are rectangular at the center of the base portion 20. It is arranged to surround. When viewed in the left-right direction, since the insertion hole 20a is formed in the center of the base portion 20, one engagement portion 20c is disposed on both outer sides of the upper and lower two insertion holes 20a.

(7. Functions of plane movable mechanism)
FIG. 7 shows a preparation state for operating the planar movable mechanism 22 and the positioning mechanism. For example, when the player holds the front portion 16 and pulls it toward the front side, the entire handle unit 14 moves toward the front side. On the other hand, since the slide connecting member 30 is restrained by the guide rod 26 and does not move, the slide connecting member 30 is relatively pulled out of the handle unit 14 as the handle unit 14 moves to the near side.

  At this time, in the handle unit 14, the locking member 34 moves closer to the boss 20 b due to the slide connecting member 30 coming out relatively, while the head of the stud screw 32 protrudes from the locking member 34 by the amount of movement. It becomes a state. For this reason, the coil spring 36 is compressed between the base portion 20 and the locking member 34.

  Further, when the handle unit 14 is pulled toward the front side, the base portion 20 that has been crimped until then is pulled away from the projection plate 40. Further, at this time, the handle unit 14 is pulled to a position where the engaging portion 20c of the base portion 20 is not caught by the projection 40a of the projection plate 40, so that the handle unit 14 is in a free state with respect to the projection plate 40. Become.

  In this state, when the player further moves the handle unit 14 in the plane direction along the front surface of the frame body, the guide rods 26 and 28 are moved in such a direction that they can be slidably displaced. For example, when the handle unit 14 is moved up and down from the state shown in FIG. 7, the horizontally long guide rod 28 is slid in the up and down direction. Alternatively, when the handle unit 14 is moved in the left-right direction, the vertically long guide rod 26 is slid in the left-right direction accordingly. Furthermore, when the handle unit 14 is moved in an oblique direction in which the vertical and horizontal directions are combined, the two guide rods 26 and 28 are slid and displaced in accordance with the movement amounts in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively.

  To summarize the operation mechanism so far, the handle unit 14 is normally supported by being pressed against the projection plate 40 by the urging force of the coil spring 36, but the player resists the urging force of the coil spring 36. When the handle unit 14 is pulled toward the front side, the handle unit 14 is pulled away from the projection plate 40 to be in a free state. Therefore, if the player pulls the handle unit 14 toward the front side and shifts the handle unit 14 in the up / down, left / right, and oblique directions, the handle unit 14 can be moved in the plane direction along the front surface of the frame.

(8. Positioning mechanism functions)
FIG. 8 shows the engagement relationship between the projection plate 40 and the engaging portion 20c. As described above, the projections 40a are arranged on the front surface of the projection plate 40 at a constant pitch, and the handle unit 14 is pressure-bonded to the projection plate 40 in the gap between the arrangements of the projections 40a. The engaging portion 20c can be fitted exactly. In such a state, the engaging portion 20c engages with the projection plate 40, where the displacement of the handle unit 14 in the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions is restricted, so that the handle unit 14 is positioned on the projection plate 40. It will be.

  Further, when the player moves the handle unit 14 to a desired position while pulling the handle unit 14 and then releases the force, the handle unit 14 is pressed against the projection plate 40 by the biasing force of the coil spring 36, and the projection is restored. Crimped to the plate 40. At this time, the tip of the engaging portion 20c is fitted into the gap in the arrangement of the protrusions 40a at the destination of the handle unit 14, and engages with the projection plate 40 there. As a result, the handle unit 14 is positioned at the new destination.

  FIG. 9 shows a state in which the tip of the engaging portion 20c is fitted in the gap in the arrangement of the protrusions 40a. As described above, the tip of each protrusion 40a is formed in a truncated pyramid shape, and the tip of the engaging portion 20c is formed in a taper shape. For this reason, even if the leading end of the engaging portion 20c collides with the protrusion 40a when the player pulls the pulling force, the engaging portion 20c and the protrusion 40a guide each other. 20c can be surely inserted into the gap in the arrangement of the protrusions 40a.

  As shown in FIG. 9, since the projection plate 40 is provided with a step on the outside of the projection 40a arrangement, it reaches the outside of the projection 40a arrangement like the lower engaging portion 20c. Even if there is something, the engaging portion 20c can be engaged with the projection plate 40 by being inserted between the protrusion 40a and the step.

(9. Range of movement of handle unit)
FIG. 10 schematically shows the movable range of the handle unit 14. The movable range of the handle unit 14 is determined depending on the planar movable mechanism 22, and specifically, the movable range is defined by the size of the projection plate 40 and the slide displacement amount of the guide rods 26 and 28.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10A, the handle unit 14 has a movable range in the left-right direction corresponding to the width W of the projection plate 40, that is, the arrangement width of the projections 40a. The lengths of the guide tab 24c and the guide slit 24e are determined in accordance with the movable range. In the present embodiment, the movable range in the left-right direction of the handle unit 14 is set to about 50 to 60 mm, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the handle unit 14 has a vertical movable range corresponding to the height H of the projection plate 40, that is, the height of the projections 40a. The lengths of the guide tab 24d and the guide slit 24e are determined according to the movable range. In the present embodiment, the vertical movable range of the handle unit 14 is set to about 20 to 40 mm, for example.

  FIG. 11 shows the movable range of the handle unit 14 from the front. As described above, the movable range of the handle unit 14 is defined corresponding to the width W and height H of the projection plate 40. As a result, the handle unit 14 can be moved in the plane direction within the movable range up and down and left and right. Further, the projection plate 40 can be positioned at a desired position. In addition, what is shown with the dashed-two dotted line in FIG. 11 is the position of the handle | steering-wheel unit 14 when it moves to the maximum within the movable range of up-down and left-right.

(10. Spherical movable mechanism)
Next, the spherical movable mechanism will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, the function of the spherical movable mechanism is realized by the joint portion 18.

(10-1. Basic functions of joint part)
FIG. 12 shows the movable range of the swing arm 46 in the vertical direction. Also here, for the sake of improving the visibility, reference numerals are given only to the portions necessary for the explanation, and for those already explained, the reference numerals are omitted as appropriate.

  As described above, since the base end portion of the swing arm 46 is pin-joined to the arm holder 20d, the swing arm 46 can be rotated in the vertical direction around the pin axis. Since the tip of the swing arm 46 protrudes from the front opening of the spherical guide 42, the range (angle α) in which the swing arm 46 can rotate in the vertical direction from the horizontal state depends on the opening width of the spherical guide 42. (In this embodiment, α = about 25 °).

  In order to rotate the swing arm 46 as described above, for example, the player pulls the movable paddle 44 against the front portion 16 while holding the front portion 16. At this time, instead of pulling the handle unit 14 as a whole, for example, a force is applied by gripping the front portion 16 with a finger attached to the constricted portion at the center of the movable paddle 44, and only the movable paddle 44 is brought to the front side. It is good to move.

  The movable paddle 44 is normally crimped to the spherical guide 42 by the urging force of the coil spring 36, but the movable paddle 44 is slidable with respect to the handle core 50, and at this time, the movable paddle 44 is attached to the coil spring 52. It is attracted to the front portion 16 against the urging force. As a result, the movable paddle 44 is separated from the spherical guide 42, and the pressure bonding between them is released.

  Next, FIG. 13 shows a movable range of the swing arm 46 in the left-right direction. As already described, since the elongated hole 46a is formed in the base end portion of the swing arm 46, the swing arm 46 can change the angle in the left-right direction around the sleeve 48, that is, can rotate. It has become. Similarly, the range (angle β) in which the swing arm 46 can be rotated in the left-right direction from the state in which the swing arm 46 faces straight is defined by the opening width of the spherical guide 42 (in this embodiment, β = 25 °). degree). Similarly, the swing pad 46 is rotated in the left-right direction by attracting the movable paddle 44 to the front portion 16 and releasing the pressure bonding between the movable paddle 44 and the spherical guide 42 as shown in the figure. be able to.

(10-2. Guide function of joint part)
FIG. 14 schematically shows the operation of the front portion 16. First, as shown in FIG. 14A, the front portion 16 swings the head in the vertical direction (vertical direction) with respect to the mounting axis L1 as the swing arm 46 is rotated in the vertical direction. It can be displaced in this way. At this time, the range in which the front portion 16 can be displaced is defined by the movable range (angle α) of the swing arm 46 in the vertical direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, the front portion 16 swings his / her head in the left / right direction (horizontal direction) with respect to the mounting axis L1 as the swing arm 46 is turned in the left / right direction. It can be displaced in this way. Here again, the range in which the front portion 16 can be displaced is defined by the movable range (angle β) of the swing arm 46 in the left-right direction.

  As described above, when the front portion 16 is displaced in the vertical and horizontal directions, the swing arm 46 rotates together inside the handle unit 14 and the spherical guide 42 guides the movable paddle 44 so that the front portion 16 is moved. Smooth operation is ensured. That is, as described above, the spherical guide 42 is formed in a spherical shape on the front side thereof, and a hemispherical concave surface is formed on the movable paddle 44 in accordance with this, so as the swing arm 46 rotates, The movable paddle 44 can move so as to slide on the surface of the spherical guide 42.

FIG. 15 shows the operation of the front portion 16 from the front. In the case of the present embodiment, the operation of the front portion 16 can be broadly described as follows.
(1) First, as shown in FIG. 15A, the front portion 16 swings its head radially from the mounting axis L1 of the handle unit 14 (represented as a point in FIG. 15). It can be displaced in this way. For this reason, the front part 16 can be displaced not only in the vertical and horizontal directions but also in the diagonally upward and downward directions on the left and right. In FIG. 15A, an arrow is shown only in a specific direction. However, due to the structure of the joint portion 18, the front portion 16 swings in all directions (360 °) about the mounting axis L1. Can be displaced.

  (2) Next, as shown in FIG. 15B, the front portion 16 is inclined in any direction (directly upward in the illustrated example) from the mounting axis L1 of the handle unit 14. From there, it can be displaced around the attachment axis L1 in a circle. Such a displacement operation of the front portion 16 corresponds to a precession motion (a miscellaneous motion) when the front portion 16 is held in a top (top). However, since the front portion 16 itself does not rotate like a top because of the structure of the joint portion 18, the displacement operation of the front portion 16 referred to here is the displacement of a joystick used in a controller or a radio controller of a computer game machine. It can be said that it is close to operation. In the figure, the arrow is shown only in the clockwise direction, but it goes without saying that the front portion 16 can be displaced in the opposite direction.

  Further, when the displacement patterns (1) and (2) are combined, the front portion 16 can move in any direction along the hemispherical surface of the spherical guide 42. At this time, the movable range of the front portion 16 can be changed. Is defined based on the movable range (angles α, β) of the swing arm 46 with respect to the attachment axis L1.

(11. Moderation mechanism)
The above is the function of the spherical movable mechanism realized by the joint portion 18, but in addition to this, in the present embodiment, the function of the moderation mechanism is also realized by the joint portion 18. Hereinafter, the moderation mechanism of this embodiment will be described.

(11-1. Function of moderation mechanism)
The joint portion 18 has a structure in which the front portion 16 follows the hemispherical surface of the spherical guide 42 and can move in any direction within the movable range. The moderation mechanism, however, moderates the displacement of the front portion 16 at this time. By giving, it has a function which adjusts the displacement angle of the front part 16 (launching handle 16a) with respect to the attachment axis L1 in several steps.

  Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 16, within a movable range in the vertical direction with respect to the attachment axis L1 (angle α = 25 °), the front portion 16 is displaced by a predetermined angle φ (for example, 5). °) is latched every time. For example, if the front portion 16 is in a horizontal posture along the attachment axis L1 in its initial state, the front portion 16 is stepped in the vertical direction from there in stages (in this example, a total of 10 steps in the vertical direction). You can change your posture.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17, within the movable range in the left-right direction with respect to the mounting axis L1 (angle β = 25 °), the displacement operation of the front portion 16 is latched at every predetermined angle θ (for example, 5 °). It has become something that takes. Similarly to the above, if the front part 16 is in a horizontal posture along the mounting axis L1 in its initial state, the front part 16 is stepped from the right and left directions by an angle θ (in this example, a total of 10 left and right in total). The posture can be changed in stages).

  From the description so far, it is clear that the displacement angle of the front portion 16 with respect to the attachment axis L1 can be adjusted stepwise in the vertical and horizontal directions (vertical and horizontal directions). Further, in the present embodiment, moderation can be given also to the displacement operation of the front portion 16 in the diagonally up and down direction, and the details will be described below.

  FIG. 18 shows the front portion 16 from the front. By the function of the spherical movable mechanism already described, the front portion 16 can be displaced obliquely up and down with respect to the attachment axis L1. Here, if a vertical axis V0 perpendicular to the attachment axis L1 is virtually defined, axes V1, V2,..., V17 in which the vertical axis V0 is inclined counterclockwise by a certain angle ψ (for example, 5 °). (Only a part is given a reference) is virtually defined. The front part 16 can be displaced obliquely in the vertical direction along these axes V1 to V17.

  In FIG. 18, the upper left region UL of the circle surrounding the attachment axis L1 will be described as an example. The upper and lower directions UL inclined in steps of a certain angle ψ in the clockwise direction from the vertical axis V1 (in this example, all 17 levels). ), The front portion 16 can be displaced. At this time, the front portion 16 is latched at a predetermined angle (φ, θ = 5 °) with respect to the mounting axis L1 with respect to the displacement in the obliquely vertical direction at each stage. That is, assuming that the front portion 16 is in a horizontal posture along the attachment axis L1 in its initial state, the front portion 16 is inclined at a predetermined angle (φ, θ = 5 °) in the diagonally upward and diagonal directions from left to right. You can change your posture step by step.

  The moderation mechanism in the above-described oblique vertical direction can function similarly for the upper right region UR, lower left region LL, and lower right region LR of the circle surrounding the attachment axis L1. As a result, the moderation given to the displacement operation of the front portion 16 is 360 steps when all directions are combined (“5 steps for each predetermined angle (φ, θ)” × “72 steps for each fixed angle ψ” = all 360 steps).

  Such a moderation mechanism functions effectively even when the front portion 16 performs a displacement operation corresponding to precession about the attachment axis L1. Therefore, for example, when the front portion 16 is inclined in the upward direction and is displaced from the front portion 16 so as to draw a circle around the attachment axis L1, a latch is applied in 72 steps while the front portion 16 is rotated once. It has become a thing.

(11-2. Structure example of moderation mechanism)
In the present embodiment, the function of the moderation mechanism is realized by the structure of the joint portion 18. In the drawings referred to below, in order to facilitate the understanding of the structure, the shape of the spherical guide 42 may be exaggerated or simplified.

  FIG. 19 shows a structural example (simplified one) for realizing a moderation mechanism in the joint portion 18. The moderation mechanism of the present embodiment is realized by using, for example, a fitting relationship between the spherical guide 42 and the movable paddle 44. Although not described in detail in the previous description, the surface of the hemispherical portion 42b of the spherical guide 42 is formed in a concave-convex shape, while the protruding portion 44e is formed on the concave surface of the movable paddle 44 opposite thereto. Has been. The protrusion 44e protrudes in a mountain shape from the concave surface of the movable paddle 44, and is formed in an annular shape around the mounting axis L1.

  The feature of the concave-convex shape of the spherical guide 42 becomes clear from the fitting relationship with the protruding portion 44 e of the movable paddle 44. That is, when the spherical guide 42 and the movable paddle 44 are combined with each other on the attachment axis L1, the protruding portion 44e formed on the movable paddle 44 is fitted into the recess 42c of the spherical guide 42. At the same time, the inner peripheral edge 44f of the movable paddle 44 is also fitted into another recess 42d. Each of the recesses 42c and 42d has a shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 44e and the inner peripheral edge 44f, and is formed so as to be annularly connected around the mounting axis L1. On the other hand, the convex portion between the two concave portions 42c and 42d constitutes a part of a spherical surface, and these are the concave surface when the movable paddle 44 is combined, that is, the projecting portion 44e and the inner portion. It matches the area between the peripheral part 44f. FIG. 19 also shows other recesses 42c 'and 42d', which will be described below.

  FIG. 20 shows a state where the spherical guide 42 and the movable paddle 44 are combined with each other. For example, FIG. 20A is a plan view and FIG. 20B is a right side view. . When the spherical guide 42 and the movable paddle 44 are combined with each other, the projecting portion 44e and the inner peripheral edge portion 44f of the movable paddle 44 are fitted into the recess portions 42c and 42d of the spherical guide 42, respectively, so that the center line of the movable paddle 44 is obtained. Matches the mounting axis L1, and in this state, the latch is held. As a result, the front portion 16 (not shown in FIG. 20) of the handle unit 14 as a whole is held in a horizontal posture in the direction along the attachment axis L1.

  Next, FIG. 21 shows a state when the movable paddle 44 is displaced. When the movable paddle 44 is displaced from the mounting axis L1 along the surface of the spherical guide 42 by an angle γ (in this example, γ = 15 °), if a virtual oblique axis L2 is defined there, the oblique axis L2 is As a center, other recessed portions 42 c ′ and 42 d ′ are formed on the surface of the spherical guide 42. These recesses 42 c ′ and 42 d ′ are also connected in a ring shape on the surface of the spherical guide 42.

  At this time, the protruding portion 44e and the inner peripheral edge portion 44f of the movable paddle 44 are fitted into the recessed portions 42c 'and 42d', respectively, and are held in a latched state in this state. As a result, the front portion 16 (not shown in FIG. 21) of the handle unit 14 as a whole is held in a posture displaced by an angle γ from the attachment axis L1.

  Here, in the process of displacing the movable paddle 44 from the state in which the center of the movable paddle 44 coincides with the attachment axis L1 to either the upper, lower, left, or right, first, the projecting portion 44e and the inner peripheral edge portion 44f are fitted so far. The recesses 42c and 42d come out of the recesses, and the engagement between them is released. When the movable paddle 44 is further displaced from this state, when the displacement reaches the angle γ, the projecting portion 44e and the inner peripheral edge portion 44f are fitted into the different recessed portions 42c 'and 42d', respectively. As a result, the displacement of the movable paddle 44 is latched, and moderation is given to the displacement of the front portion 16 during this time.

  Further, when returning the movable paddle 44 to the original posture from here, the projecting portion 44e and the inner peripheral edge portion 44f come out of the recessed portions 42c ′ and 42d ′ by displacing the movable paddle 44 in the direction of the attachment axis L1. Then, there is a state in which the fitting between both of them is released. When the movable paddle 44 is further displaced from this state, the projecting portion 44e and the inner peripheral edge portion 44f are fitted into the recessed portions 42c and 42d when the center line of the movable paddle 44 matches the attachment axis L1. Here, similarly, the displacement of the movable paddle 44 is latched, and the moderation is given to the displacement of the front portion 16 during this time.

  When FIG. 21A is a plan view, FIG. 21B is a right side view, and the movable paddle 44 is shown displaced rightward. Here, the movable paddle 44 is shown. Are displaced in the left direction or the vertical direction from the mounting axis L1 at the same angle γ, the other recessed portions 42c ′, 42d ′ are formed corresponding to the respective directions (four directions, up, down, left, and right). Yes.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 22, for example, the surface of the spherical guide 42 (the hemispherical portion 42b) has a geometric uneven shape. That is, the concave portions 42c, 42d, 42c ′, 42d ′ are defined as small circles drawn on a spherical surface (intersection of a spherical surface and a plane that does not pass through the center of the sphere). Of these, the concave portions 42c, 42d are attached. A small circle centered on the axis L1 is drawn. The other recesses 42c 'and 42d' draw small circles centered on the oblique axes L2 to L5 that form an angle [gamma] in the vertical and horizontal directions with the attachment axis L1.

  The above description is an example in which the structure is simplified in order to facilitate understanding of the moderation mechanism. Compared with the function of the moderation mechanism described above, the movable range is limited (angle γ = 15 degrees only), the number of stages that can give moderation to the displacement of the movable paddle 44 (front portion 16) is limited (only one stage in each of the four directions, up, down, left, and right).

  FIGS. 23 and 24 three-dimensionally show the structure of the spherical guide 42 that is actually applied in the present embodiment. In these FIGS. 23 and 24, the surface is shaded for easy understanding of the three-dimensional characteristics of the spherical guide 42.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the movable range of the front portion 16 by the moderation mechanism is secured (25 ° in each of 72 directions in the vertical and horizontal directions and diagonally up and down), and further in a plurality of stages (360 stages) within the movable range. The displacement angle can be adjusted. Therefore, in practice, a large number of recesses (without reference numerals) corresponding to the number of previous stages are formed on the surface of the spherical guide 42.

Here, the three-dimensional shape shown in FIGS. 23 and 34 can be realized, for example, through the following procedure.
(1) It is assumed that the spherical surface of the spherical guide 42 is in a smooth state in the initial state.
(2) The first recesses (two places) are formed on the spherical surface of the spherical guide 42 so that the projecting portion 44e and the inner peripheral edge portion 44f of the movable paddle 44 can be fitted in a posture in which the center coincides with the mounting axis L1. Form.
(3) The first recess formed in the above (2) is shifted by 5 ° in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 24) and the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) on the sphere surface, and the position of the shifted destination To form a new recess. At this time, when the first dent and the new dent intersect each other on the sphere surface, a geometrical uneven shape is formed as shown in FIG.
(4) The new dent formed in the above (3) is further shifted by 5 ° in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 24) and the left-right direction (X-axis direction), and there is a new dent. Form.
(5) The operation of (4) is repeated to the full movable range to complete the reference uneven shape on the sphere surface. Here, the concavo-convex shape as a reference includes a large number of dents formed in 10 steps, that is, 40 steps in four directions, at positions shifted by 5 ° in the vertical and horizontal directions.
(6) The reference concavo-convex shape completed in (1) to (5) above is rotated, for example, 5 ° counterclockwise around the attachment axis L1, and a new concavo-convex shape is formed on the sphere surface. To do.
(7) The new concavo-convex shape formed in the above (6) is further rotated by 5 ° around the attachment axis L1, and the new concavo-convex shape is formed again on the sphere surface.
(8) The operation (7) is repeated 15 more times to form a new uneven shape over a total of 17 times.

  By executing the procedures (1) to (8) above, the three-dimensional shape shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 can be obtained.

(12. Usage example of handle unit)
In this embodiment, since there are various mechanisms attached to the handle unit 14, the use examples thereof are various. The advantages of the present embodiment will be described below with some preferred usage examples.

  (1) A player can play a game while appropriately changing the position of the handle unit 14 with respect to the front surface of the frame of the pachinko machine 1. In this case, since the posture of the player holding the firing handle 16a can be changed as appropriate, fatigue is less likely to accumulate even when the game is played for a long time. In addition, the position of the handle unit 14 can be adjusted according to the player's body shape and physique, depending on the seating position relative to the pachinko machine 1, so that it is comfortable without being forced into an unreasonable posture. You can play games.

  (2) The player can play the game while appropriately changing the grip angle of the firing handle 16a. That is, the posture of gripping the firing handle 16a and the angle of the wrist can be changed according to preference by displacing the front portion 16 in various directions by the function of the spherical movable mechanism, and even if the game is performed for a long time, fatigue Is difficult to accumulate. Moreover, since moderation is given to the displacement operation | movement of the front part 16, when changing a grip angle, a comfortable operation feeling can be obtained. Further, since the front portion 16 is firmly held at each stage, there is no instability when the firing handle 16a is gripped.

  (3) The player can change the position of the handle unit 14 as appropriate, and change the angle of the front portion 16 as desired. In this case, since it is possible to secure a wider range of adjustment of the grip position and the grip angle of the launch handle 16a, it is possible to make adjustments according to players of various body shapes and physiques, and to take a comfortable posture preferred by the player The degree of freedom becomes higher.

(13. Configuration example of pachinko machine)
As described above, in the present embodiment, various mechanisms (a plane movable mechanism, a positioning mechanism, a spherical movable mechanism, a moderation mechanism, etc.) are added to the handle unit 14, but the pachinko machine 1 is applied by applying all these mechanisms. Alternatively, only a part of the mechanism may be applied to the pachinko machine 1. For example, the handle unit 14 may be provided with only the plane movable mechanism and the positioning mechanism without providing the spherical movable mechanism and the moderation mechanism. Alternatively, the handle unit 14 can be fixed to the frame, and only the spherical movable mechanism and the moderation mechanism can be applied.

  Regarding the connection relationship between the handle unit 14 and the ball launching device (not shown), for example, by incorporating a rotation angle sensor, a human body touch sensor, etc. in the front part 16, the amount of operation of the launching handle 16a from these devices ( Twist angle), the contact state of the human body can be output to the ball launcher. Note that the connection wiring with these devices can be routed through the handle core 50 and the base portion 20.

  FIG. 25 shows a peripheral portion of the handle unit 14. In the actual pachinko machine 1, the front side of the planar movable mechanism 22 is covered with the decorative plate 54, and the mechanical parts are not visually recognized by the player. The decorative board 54 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and an insertion hole 54a for inserting the spherical guide 42 is formed in the center. Further, a sleeve 54b is formed around the insertion hole 54a. When the positioning mechanism is operated as described above, the entire handle unit 14 can move in the front-rear direction along the sleeve 54b. .

  Further, a front panel 56 is disposed on the front side of the decorative plate 54, and the front panel 56 covers and hides the periphery of the planar movable mechanism 22 on the front side of the front frame 4. Further, the front panel 56 is formed with an opening 56a that is substantially rectangular when viewed from the front, and the opening 56a has a size corresponding to the movable range of the handle unit 14.

  In this case, when the handle unit 14 is slid by the action of the plane movable mechanism 22, the decorative plate 54 slides together with the handle unit 14 inside the front panel 56, so that the inside of the opening 56a is always visible to the player. Absent.

(14. Reference to other embodiments)
The above is the description of one embodiment, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. In the following, other embodiments will be described with some examples.

  (1) In one embodiment, a specific model of a pachinko machine is taken as an example, but the present invention can also be implemented as a ball-type game machine other than a pachinko machine.

  (2) The configuration of the planar movable mechanism 22 is not limited to one embodiment, and for example, a linear guide having a movable range in the XY direction may be used, or other configurations may be employed.

  (3) The projection plate constituting the positioning mechanism may have a recess instead of having a projection on the surface. In this case, conversely, a protrusion for engaging with the concave portion of the projection plate is formed on the base portion. In the positioning mechanism of one embodiment, the engagement relationship between the projection plate and the engaging portion is used. However, the handle unit may be simply positioned by a frictional force.

(4) About the joint part of one Embodiment, various modifications are mentioned as follows.
(4-1) Since the joint portion can be configured by combining a convex spherical surface and a concave surface that matches the convex spherical surface, for example, the positional relationship between the spherical guide and the movable paddle is interchanged, and the same as in the embodiment. A joint portion having a function can also be configured.

  As shown in (4-2) or FIG. 26, the joint portion 18 'can be configured with the movable paddle 44' housed inside the spherical guide 42 '. In this case, a spherical movable mechanism is realized by a combination of the spherical surface on the front side of the movable paddle 44 ′ and the concave surface on the inner side of the spherical guide 42 ′. Further, in this case, in order to realize a moderation mechanism, a protrusion may be formed on the inner surface of the spherical guide 42 ', and a recess may be formed on the surface of the movable paddle 44' corresponding to this, or conversely, the movable paddle 44 ' A protrusion may be formed on the surface, and a recess may be formed on the inner surface of the spherical guide 42 '.

  (4-3) Similarly, even when the spherical guide 42 and the movable paddle 44 are combined as in the embodiment, a protrusion is formed on the spherical surface of the spherical guide 42 in order to realize a moderation mechanism. On the contrary, a concave portion may be formed on the concave surface of the movable paddle 44.

  (5) In addition, the configuration of the parts listed together with the illustration as the internal structure of the handle unit 14 is not particularly limited, and these parts may be appropriately modified or replaced with other parts to ensure the same function. it can.

  (6) The configuration of the joint portion of the embodiment is applicable not only to the launch handle but also to other uses in the technical field of gaming machines. Further, even outside the technical field of gaming machines, the configuration of the joint portion (spherical movable mechanism, moderation mechanism) of this embodiment can be implemented as a general-purpose joint mechanism.

(6-1)
For example, the configuration of the joint part of one embodiment can be applied to a joint part of a robot arm, a movable part of a doll model, an operation stick part of a controller for a game machine, etc. (in addition to the first arm and the second arm, Various combinations of two members connected through joints, such as the shoulder and arm, the upper and lower parts of the body, the parts forming the body and the extremities, the body and the head, the controller body and the operation stick, can be considered. )
Since the above-mentioned portion includes two members whose angles can be displaced relative to each other, one of them corresponds to the spherical guide 42 and the other member corresponds to the front portion 16. If one embodiment is modified, the articulation joint device of the 4th invention can be implemented by the best form.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine used as one embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of a handle unit. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the connection part of a handle unit and a plane movable mechanism. It is a disassembled perspective view of a joint part. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handle unit. It is a detailed view (fourth view) of a base part. It is a figure showing a state when a handle unit is pulled to the near side. It is a front view of a projection board. It is sectional drawing which follows the IX-IX line in FIG. It is the top view and right view for demonstrating the movable range of a handle unit. It is a front view for demonstrating the movable range of a handle unit. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the handle unit which showed the movable range of the swing arm. It is a horizontal sectional view of the handle unit showing the movable range of the swing arm. It is the right view and top view for demonstrating the displacement of a front part. It is a front view for demonstrating the displacement of a front part. It is the right view which showed adjustment of the displacement angle to the up-down direction of the front part by a moderation mechanism. It is the top view which showed adjustment of the displacement angle to the left-right direction of the front part by a moderation mechanism. It is a front view of the front part for demonstrating the function of a moderation mechanism. It is the figure which simplified and showed the structural example of the moderation mechanism. It is the figure which showed the latching state of the movable paddle by a moderation mechanism. It is the figure which showed the state when a movable paddle is displaced from the state of FIG. It is the perspective view and front view of a spherical surface guide. It is the figure which showed the spherical guide actually used by one Embodiment in three dimensions. It is the figure which showed the spherical surface guide of FIG. 23 from the front. It is the figure which showed the periphery of the handle unit. It is the figure which showed the modification of the joint part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Outer frame 4 Front frame 6 Glass frame 14 Handle unit 16 Front part 16a Launch handle 18 Joint part 20 Base part 20c Engagement part 22 Planar movable mechanism 26, 28 Guide rod 30 Slide connection member 36 Coil spring 40 Projection plate 40a Projection 42 Spherical guide 42c, 42d, 42c ', 42d' Recessed portion 44 Movable paddle 44e Protruding portion 46 Swing arm 52 Coil spring

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine comprising a frame that constitutes a main body of a gaming machine, a gaming board that is supported by the frame to form a gaming area, and a ball launcher that launches a gaming ball toward the gaming area,
A handle unit to which an operation member operable by a player to operate the ball launcher is attached;
A gaming machine comprising a support mechanism for supporting the handle unit with respect to the frame.

Images