JP2007252595A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of reducing the risk of breakage in a control device even if an operating member of the control device to change the operation state of an electrical game device is operated in a different direction from a prescribed operation direction. <P>SOLUTION: The control device 200 can be moved and operated in the prescribed operation direction to a control device disposed part. The control device 200 has the operating member to change the operation state of the electrical game device according to the moving operation in the prescribed operation direction. The operating member comprises an operation mechanism with an electric device for changing the operation state of the electrical game device by moving in the prescribed operation direction and a cover member 210 to cover the outside of the operation mechanism. The cover member is journaled to an operation transmission shaft member 290, a shaft member on the operation mechanism side. The cover member and the operation mechanism are moved in the prescribed operation direction together, but the cover member is limitlessly roratable in the direction different from the prescribed operation direction, independently from the operation mechanism, with the shaft member 290 as the axis of rotation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  In a game machine such as a pachinko machine, due to the winning of a game ball, etc., various game symbols such as various judgment symbols on the display device, images of characters, etc. A game effect according to the game mode is performed. There has been devised a gaming machine that further increases the interest in such game production and further increases the degree of intervention of the game by the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, a character image or the like displayed on the image display unit can be appropriately moved by a player operating an operation member of an operation device. For this reason, it became possible to incorporate the elements of a video game machine into a pachinko machine, which enabled the player to acquire a novel interest.

However, when the player operates the operation member of the operation device, the player may move in a direction different from the predetermined operation direction. As a result, there is a risk that the operation member may be damaged due to problems such as a limit in strength or malfunction on the system of the gaming machine. Specifically, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, for example, a joystick is used as an operation member. When the player is addicted to the game or accidentally turns the joystick in a direction different from the original operation direction, that is, in a rotation direction around the axis of the joystick. If this happens, it is pointed out that the joystick itself as an operation member and the control mechanism inside the gaming machine may be damaged.
JP 2004-344228 A

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above situation, and even if the operating member of the operating device that changes the operating state of the electrical gaming device is operated in a direction different from the predetermined operating direction, the operating device is not damaged. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that reduces the risk of causing it.

  That is, the invention of claim 1 is a gaming machine in which an operating device for changing an operating state of an electrical gaming device is provided in an operating device arrangement portion, wherein the operating device has a predetermined operation direction with respect to the operating device arrangement portion. And an operating member that changes an operating state of the electric gaming machine due to the moving operation in the predetermined operating direction, and the operating member includes the predetermined operating direction. An operating mechanism having an electric device for changing the operating state of the electric gaming device by moving in the operating direction, and a cover member covering the outside of the operating mechanism, the cover member being on the operating mechanism side The cover member and the operation mechanism both move in the predetermined operation direction, while the cover member has the shaft member as a rotation axis and is independent of the operation mechanism. It according to the gaming machine characterized by the operation direction is rotatable without restriction in the different directions.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the operation mechanism is provided with a display member displaying the predetermined operation direction, and the cover member is pivotally attached to the shaft member on the operation mechanism side. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a transparent member that allows the display of the operation direction to be visually recognized is provided on the cover member.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the cover member rotates without limitation in a direction different from the predetermined operation direction independently of the operation mechanism using the shaft member as a rotation axis, the operating state of the electric gaming machine does not change. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the operating member is provided so as to protrude outward from the operating device arrangement portion, and a portion of the operating member protruding outward is provided by the cover member. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is covered.

  According to the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine provided with the operating device arrangement unit for changing the operating state of the electrical gaming device in the operating device arrangement unit, the operation device is predetermined with respect to the operation device arrangement unit. And an operation member that changes an operating state of the electric gaming machine due to the movement operation in the predetermined operation direction, and the operation member includes: An operating mechanism having an electric device for changing an operating state of the electric gaming apparatus by moving in the predetermined operating direction, and a cover member that covers the outside of the operating mechanism, the cover member being The cover member and the operation mechanism both move in the predetermined operation direction while being attached to the shaft member on the operation mechanism side, while the cover member is independent of the operation mechanism with the shaft member as a rotation axis. Even if the operating member of the operating device that changes the operating state of the electric gaming device is operated in a direction different from the predetermined operating direction, the operation can be performed in a direction different from the predetermined operating direction. It is possible to reduce the risk of causing damage to the device.

  According to the gaming machine of the invention of claim 2, in the invention of claim 1, the operation mechanism is provided with a display member displaying the predetermined operation direction, and the cover on the shaft member on the operation mechanism side. Since the cover member is provided with a transparent member that enables the display of the operation direction of the display member to be visually recognized when the member is attached to the shaft, the visibility of the display member is increased and the cover member rotates without limitation. Even if it does, the display member in which the predetermined operation direction is displayed does not rotate in conjunction with each other, and it is possible to reduce the possibility that the player mistakes the operation direction.

  According to the gaming machine of the invention of claim 3, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, the cover member rotates without limitation in a direction different from the predetermined operation direction independently of the operation mechanism with the shaft member as a rotation axis. In this case, since the operating state of the electrical gaming apparatus does not change, the operating state of the electrical gaming apparatus is hardly affected by the operation of the cover member.

  According to the gaming machine according to the invention of claim 4, in the invention of any one of claims 1 to 3, at least a part of the operation member is provided to protrude outward from the operation device arrangement portion. In addition, since the portion of the operation member that protrudes outward is covered by the cover member, the player can easily operate the operation device, and the cover member also protects the operation mechanism. It is also possible to reduce the risk of operating the operating device in a direction other than the predetermined operating direction.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the entire gaming machine according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a lower ball tray of the gaming machine, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing system control of the gaming machine. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the operating device, FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the switch unit, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device in the XX direction of FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view and a side view of the cover member and the operation transmission shaft member, and FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the cover member and the operation transmission shaft member in the ZZ direction of FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion Q in FIG.

  A gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, here a pachinko gaming machine, has an outer guide rail 4 and an inner guide rail 5 of a game ball standing on the edge of a game board 3 in a substantially circular shape, and the inner guide rail 5 A display device 9, a start winning port 10 as a normal electric accessory, a large winning port 15 as a special electric accessory, and an out port 17 are arranged on the center line of the game area 6 surrounded by Lamp wind turbines 18a and 18b are provided on both upper and left and right sides, a normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and a normal symbol variation start right gate 21 are provided on the left and right sides of the start winning opening 10, and a wind turbine 22a is provided therebelow. 22b, a first sleeve winning opening 23 and a second sleeve winning opening 25 are provided below the left winning winning opening 27 and a right dropping winning opening 29 on both sides of the large winning opening 15, respectively. When a game ball wins the various winning holes, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize ball. Further, when the determination result is a win in a predetermined condition (in this embodiment, a big win), a special special game state is entered and the big prize opening 15 is opened, so that the game ball is easy to win. In addition, when the numerical value related to the hit of the normal symbol acquired by the detection signal of the normal symbol variation start gate 19 becomes a predetermined value, the start winning opening 10 is in the expanded open state.

  On the front side of the game board 3, there is an upper ball tray 32 for receiving paid-out game balls, a lower ball tray 34 for receiving game balls when the upper ball tray 32 is saturated, and a lamp for notifying the game state. Indicators 35 and 36, a speaker 37 that emits sound and sound effects to notify the player of the gaming state, a launching device H that bullets and fires a game ball toward the game area 6 in accordance with the player's launching operation, and the like Provided.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an operation device arrangement portion 100 that is in a substantially horizontal state is formed on the upper surface of the lower ball tray 34 on the opposite side of the launching device H (the player's left hand side). The An operation device 200 that partially protrudes outward from the operation device arrangement portion 100 in a substantially vertical direction is assembled. Reference signs D 1, D 2, D 3, D 4 and Ps are predetermined operating directions of the operating device 200. The operating device 200 is a device that enables a moving operation in each of the predetermined operating directions (D1, D2, D3, D4, Ps). In the figure, a portion of the operating device 200 that protrudes outward from the operating device placement unit 100 is covered with a cover member 201 described later. The player operates the cover member 201 with his hand. Since the cover member 201 protrudes from the operation device arrangement portion 100, the operation device 200 can be easily operated. Further, since the cover member can protect the protruding portion of the operation mechanism, it is difficult to operate in a direction other than the predetermined operation direction.

  The symbol display device 43 of the display device 9 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal, a dot matrix or LED display device, and an organic EL display device. In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD module) capable of color display is provided as an image display section (variable display area) 50. The image display unit 50 can change and display normal symbols or special symbols such as numbers, alphabets, symbols, or pictures (characters). The image display unit 50 displays decorative symbols such as backgrounds (buildings, landscapes, etc.), characters (persons, animals, plants, objects, etc.), characters, etc., in addition to the special symbols, while the special symbols are changing. The decorative symbol can be displayed in a variable manner due to a predetermined starting condition such as the start of variation of the special symbol.

  As schematically illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 3, in this gaming machine 1, a main control circuit 121 and a sub control circuit 131, a payout control circuit 118, a relay circuit 141, and the like are connected to the circuit 121. A display control circuit 161, a light emission control circuit 115, a sound control circuit 112, and an operation device 200 are connected to the sub control circuit 131. The relay circuit 141 is connected to a switch related to the big prize device provided on the game board 3, and the light emission control circuit 115 is connected to various lamps and other light emitters, LEDs, and the like. In addition, the payout control circuit 118 is connected to a lending payout device 148, a launch control circuit 119, and the like, and the launch control circuit 119 is connected to a launch device H. A prize ball payout device 145 is connected to the payout control circuit 118 and the photo distribution circuit 146. Further, a power supply device 60 is connected to each control circuit. Each control board is controlled to execute a predetermined process based on control signals from the main control circuit 121 and the sub control circuit 131. In the gaming machine 1, the display device 9, various accessories, the lamp indicators 35 and 36, the speaker 37, and the like are used as game operation devices, and effects in appropriate operation modes are executed.

  The main control circuit 121 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a computer having a plurality of counters, an input / output circuit connecting the computer and the sub-control circuit 131, and a relay circuit connected to the computer and a prize winning device, etc. 141 and the like that are connected to the input / output circuit. The CPU includes a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, various timers to be described later, etc., and performs calculation control, as well as the probability of jackpot occurrence and small hits (expanding and opening the start winning opening 10) Random numbers etc. that determine the probability of occurrence) are also generated. In the embodiment, the CPU corresponds to the success / failure determination means, special game execution means, privilege game execution means, main control means, notification control means, game progress detection means, etc. Various calculations are appropriately performed in cooperation with the RAM, ROM, etc. in the circuit 121, and the game progress in the gaming machine 1 is controlled. The RAM corresponds to storage means, and includes a special symbol variation start switch detection signal, a normal symbol variation start switch detection signal storage region, a random number value storage region generated by the CPU, and various data ( Command data) is temporarily stored, a flag, and a CPU work area, and various data such as voice information are stored. Further, in addition to the game control program and control data written in the ROM, big hit and small hit judgment values in various gaming states are written.

  The sub-control circuit 131 includes an input / output circuit that connects a computer having a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and the main control circuit 121, sound control circuit 112, light emission control circuit 115, display control circuit 161, and operation device 200 to the computer. Prepare. In the CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. in the sub control circuit 131, almost the same calculation as that of the main control circuit 121 is executed. In the sub control circuit 131, command data prepared for each terminal control circuit from the command data generated in the main control circuit 121 is further generated. For this reason, the calculation load of the main control circuit 121 is reduced, and the main control circuit is specialized in command generation related to the progress of the game.

  The display control circuit 161 includes a computer including a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, an input circuit that connects the computer and the sub-control circuit 131, an output circuit that connects the computer and the symbol display device 43, and the like. The CPU in the display control circuit has a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, and the like, and performs calculation control. The RAM of this circuit has a storage area and a work area for the CPU, and stores various image data. In the ROM in the same circuit, special symbols to be displayed on the image display unit 50, background, and image data on game effects are written. Although not shown, the light emission control circuit 115 and the sound control circuit 112 are each appropriately equipped with a control CPU, a control data ROM, and a control data RAM, and emit light (lights up) and voices (sound generation) in response to various commands. ) Is executed.

  According to this embodiment, the sub control circuit 131, the display control circuit 161 and the image display device 43 connected thereto, the light emission control circuit 115 and each lamp connected thereto, the sound control circuit 112 and the speaker connected thereto. 37 constitutes an electrical gaming device of the gaming machine 1. Therefore, when the operation device 200 receives an operation of the player, each detection switch (described later) in the operation device detects a moving direction or the like according to the operation of the player. The detected switch detection signal is transmitted to the input / output circuit of the sub-control circuit. As a result of calculation by the sub-control circuit in accordance with the switch detection signal, it is properly transmitted as command data to control circuits such as the display control circuit 161, the light emission control circuit 115, and the sound control circuit 112. Then, for example, a change occurs in the movement of an image such as a character displayed on the image display device 43. Alternatively, each time the operation device 200 is operated, an operation sound (buzzer sound), blinking (operation detection notification), or the like is performed. Therefore, the operation of the operating device 200 changes the operating state of the electric gaming machine. In addition to the illustrated embodiment, the sub control circuit may be omitted and the control circuit may be controlled by the main control circuit.

  As can be understood from FIG. 4, the operation device 200 includes a cover member 201, an operation direction instruction ring 210, a mounting portion 220, and a switch unit 230. The player can put his left hand on the cover member 201 of the operation device 200. Therefore, the cover member 201 is moved in a predetermined operation direction with respect to the operation device arrangement unit 100 of FIGS. The cover member 201 includes a transparent member 240 and a wheel member 270 disposed on the outer periphery thereof. The operation direction indicating ring 210 indicates an operation direction in which the player should operate the cover member 201. Specifically, in order to clearly indicate the front D1, the rear D2, the left D3, and the right D4 with respect to the controller arrangement unit 100, a display unit 211 with a Δ character (delta character) is provided. Since the design shape surface is thus formed, the operation direction indicating ring 210 is also used as a decorative member of the operation device. The operation device 200 is fixed to the operation device arrangement portion 100 of the lower tray 34 with screws or the like through the attachment portion 220 as appropriate. The switch unit 230 is provided with a claw-shaped protrusion 239 on a side surface thereof. The protrusion 239 is sandwiched in the hole in the locking arm 229 of the mounting portion 220, and the switch unit 230 is locked together with the mounting portion 220. Reference numeral 203 denotes an operation member.

  The main structure of the operating device 200 is shown as an exploded perspective view of FIG. The operation direction indicating ring 210 and the mounting portion 220 are appropriately fixed with screws or the like. For the transparent member 240, a transparent resin material having excellent weather resistance, such as a transparent acrylic resin and a transparent polycarbonate resin, is preferably used in order to ensure the visibility of the display member 250 accommodated immediately below. In order to fill the gap between the transparent member 240 and the wheel member 270 and hold the transparent member, a holding member 245 is also disposed around the transparent member 240. A center hole 275 is formed in the wheel member 270, and the sliding shaft member 260 passes through the center hole 275 and reaches the sliding fixing member 280. The wheel member 270 is slidably sandwiched between the sliding shaft member 260 and the sliding fixing member 280.

  A central hole 225 is formed in the central portion of the mounting portion 220, and a through hole 285 is formed in the sliding shaft member 260 as well as in the sliding fixing member 280. The diameter of each hole is slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 295 of the operation transmission shaft member 290 which is a shaft member. The operation transmission shaft member 290, particularly the cylindrical portion 295, passes through the center hole 225 of the mounting portion 220, the through hole 265 of the sliding shaft member 260, and the through hole 285 of the sliding fixing member 280, and Connected to the back. In the operation transmission shaft member 290, a cross contact body 291 is disposed on the opposite side of the cylindrical portion 295. As will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 and the like, the cross contact body 291 is used for contact of the switches in the switch unit 230. In the figure, reference numeral 238 denotes a vertical contact body, 271 denotes an outer rim portion, and 294 denotes a screw hole.

  FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross section of the switch unit 230, in which a cross contact body 291 of the operation transmission shaft member 290 is incorporated. In the space 233 of the switch unit 230, the biasing members 232a, 232b, 232c, and 232d made of springs are biased corresponding to the four operating directions (D1, D2, D3, and D4) of the operating device 200. The received contact blocks 231a, 231b, 231c, 231d are arranged. The contact side portions 296a, 296b, 296c, and 296d of the cross contact body 291 housed in the space portion 233 of the switch unit are respectively biased side portions 235a, 235b, 235c, and 235d of the corresponding contact blocks. It is pressed by. For this reason, the cross contact body 291 always receives an equal pressure and is positioned at the center. On the opposite side of the urging sides 235a, 235b, 235c, 235d of the four contact blocks 231a, 231b, 231c, 231d, that is, on the side close to the switch unit, known touch switches 234a, 234b, 234c, 234d are provided. Are provided respectively. Reference numeral 299 denotes a through hole of the operation transmission shaft member 290.

  For example, when the player moves the cover member 201 to the right D4 with respect to the operating device arrangement part (see FIG. 2), the cross contact is made in the direction of the arrow Dd shown in conjunction with the movement of the cover member 201. The body 291 moves. As a result, the contact side portion 296d of the cross contact body 291 presses the contact block 231d against the biasing member 232d. Then, the distance between the contact block 231d and the switch unit 230 is reduced, and the touch switch 234d detects a moving operation in the right D4 direction by the player. The detected direction and the like of the moving operation are transmitted from the operating device to the sub-control circuit 131.

  FIG. 7 shows the structure of the operating device 200 according to the XX cross-sectional direction of FIG. 6 mentioned above, particularly during the moving operation in the right direction D4. When the player performs a moving operation in the right direction D4 with respect to the operation device 200, the cover member 201 (including the transparent member 240, the holding member 245, and the wheel member 270) is located on the right side D4 side from the center position. Moving. Accordingly, as the cross moves, the cross contact body 291 of the operation transmission shaft member 290 also moves together, so that the movement operation in the right D4 direction is detected by the touch switch 234d via the contact block 231d.

  In the operating device 200, an outer rim portion 271 provided on the outer periphery of the wheel member 270 is arranged to be able to slide and contact below the outer rim accommodating portion 212 of the operation direction indicating ring 210. For this reason, when the player performs a movement operation in a desired operation direction using the operation device 200, the movable direction of the wheel member 270 (outer rim portion 271) is restricted, and a deviation or distortion generated in the cover member 201 or the like is restricted. Can be suppressed. In addition, entry of foreign matter into the operation device 200 can be prevented. As is obvious from the structures of FIGS. 6 and 7, the movement operation in the directions D1 to D3 is the same. In the drawing, the arrow Da attached to the cross contact body 291 corresponds to the upper D1, the arrow Db corresponds to the lower D2, and the arrow Dc corresponds to the left D3. Reference numeral 204 denotes an operation mechanism, 205 denotes an electric device, and Eh denotes a harness (electric wiring).

  FIG. 8 shows the structure of the operating device 200 according to the YY cross-sectional direction of FIG. A vertical biasing member 202 made of a spring is installed between the back surface portion 288 of the sliding fixing member 280 and the housing surface portion 224 of the mounting portion 220. The cover member 201 is always maintained in a position state in an orientation (upward) away from the attachment portion 220 by the urging of the vertical urging member 202. The vertical contact body 238 partially protrudes from the switch unit 230 by the biasing force of the vertical assisting member 237 made of a spring.

  When the player performs a moving operation of pressing down the cover member 201 against the urging force of the vertical urging member 202, the back surface portion 288 of the sliding fixing member 280 comes into contact with the vertical abutting body 238, and the vertical assisting member 237. The vertical abutting body 238 is also pushed down against the urging force. At this time, the lowering of the vertical contact body 238 is detected by a press detection switch 236 which is a known touch switch. The detected pressing movement operation is transmitted from the operating device to the sub-control circuit 131.

  When the player releases his / her hand from the cover member 201, the cover member 201 returns to the position before being pressed by the urging force of the vertical urging member 202 and the vertical contact member 238 is urged by the urging force of the vertical assisting member 237. . During the pressing movement operation, the outer rim portion 271 provided on the outer periphery of the wheel member 270 is accommodated in the gap between the outer rim accommodating portion 212 and the mounting portion 220, so that the amount of movement of the pressing of the cover member 201 is restricted. . Therefore, the operating device 200 is protected from damage caused by an unreasonable moving operation.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the disclosed form, the electric device 205 corresponds to the touch switches 234a, 234b, 234c, 234d, and the press detection switch 236. The operation mechanism 204 includes these switches, a switch unit 230 that integrally accommodates the contact blocks 231a, 231b, 231c, 231d, the vertical contact body 238, and the like, and a display member connected to the switch unit. 250 corresponds. The operation member 203 includes the operation mechanism (switch unit 230) and a cover member 201 disposed on a position that covers the outside, particularly the upper side.

  In the disclosed gaming machine 1, a character (see FIG. 1) displayed on the image display unit 50 (see FIG. 1) by moving the operation member (mainly the cover member 201) of the operation device 200 in the operation direction D1 to D4. (Not shown) can be selected, and the game scenes, situations, characters, etc. can be selected. Further, by depressing Ps on the operation member (mainly the cover member 201), a character (not shown) is determined, for example, a jumping action is executed, and the speed and size of the movement are changed. be able to. Alternatively, in order to prevent an erroneous operation, the moving operation can be validated only when the cover member 201 of the operating device 200 is pressed and moved in the operation direction D1 to D4. Note that the emission color, sound, sound effect, and the like appropriately change according to various movement operations of the operation member.

  That is, due to the operation of moving the operation member in a predetermined operation direction (D1 to D4 and Ps in the drawing) in the operation device 200, the electric devices such as the touch switches 234a, 234b, 234c, 234d and the press detection switch 236 are used. An operation is detected. Thus, various detection signals cause changes in the operating state of the electrical game devices such as the sub control circuit 131, the display control circuit 161, the light emission control circuit 115, and the sound control circuit 112.

  FIG. 9 shows a cover member 201 incorporated in the operation device 200 of the present embodiment and an operation transmission shaft member 290 connected thereto. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the vicinity of the wheel back surface portion 272 on the back side of the wheel member 270 that is a part of the cover member 201. The sliding shaft member 260 is inserted into the center hole (see FIG. 5) of the wheel member 270, and the outer screw groove portion 264 is exposed. The inner thread groove 284 of the sliding fixing member 280 is screwed into the outer thread groove 264 of the sliding shaft member 260, and the wheel member 270 is sandwiched between the sliding shaft member 260 and the sliding fixing member 280. . The cylindrical portion 295 of the operation transmission shaft member 290 passes through the through hole 265 of the sliding shaft member 260 and is connected to the back side of the display member 250 shown in FIG. A through hole 299 is provided in the cylindrical portion 295 of the transmission shaft member, and a harness Eh (electric wiring) for connecting the display member 250 and the switch unit 230 is provided. FIG. 9B is a side view of the cover member 201 and the operation transmission shaft member 290 connected thereto. As can be understood from the drawing, all members are arranged and configured on the same straight line. This is for equalizing the load associated with the moving operation of D1 to D4 and reducing the load associated with the rotation of the wheel member 270.

  FIG. 10 shows a structure according to the ZZ cross-sectional direction of FIG. The display member 250 and the operation transmission shaft member 290 are fixed by screws (not shown) inserted into the screw holes 294. On the other hand, in the wheel member 270 constituting a part of the cover member 201, the inner rim portion 273 is sandwiched between the sliding shaft member 260 and the sliding fixing member 280 with a gap. . That is, the cover member 201 is rotatably attached to the operation transmission shaft member 290 that is a shaft member that transmits an operation to the operation mechanism side such as the switch unit 230.

  In FIG. 11, which is an enlarged view of a portion Q, a smooth stepped shaft side rim sliding surface 263 is formed on the upper portion of the outer thread groove portion 264 of the sliding shaft member 260. . Further, a smooth fixed side rim sliding surface 283 is also formed on the sliding fixing member 280. The thickness Tr of the inner rim portion 273 is slightly thinner than the step portion 266 of the sliding shaft member 260. Therefore, when the sliding fixing member 280 (inner screw groove portion 284) is screwed into the sliding shaft member 260 (outer screw groove portion 264), the sliding fixing member 280 is held down by the step portion 266. As is clear from the positional relationship, a gap G is formed at the periphery of the inner rim portion 273, and the inner rim portion 273 is surrounded by the shaft-side rim sliding surface 263 and the fixed-side rim sliding surface 283. Therefore, the rotational sliding load (friction resistance) applied to the cover member 201, particularly the inner rim portion 273 of the wheel member 270, is reduced.

  For this reason, the operation mechanisms such as the cover member 201 and the switch unit 230 are both moved in a predetermined operation direction, that is, the aforementioned D1 to D4 (front and rear, left and right) or Ps (pressed), while the cover member 201 is a shaft member. Using the operation transmission shaft member 290 as its rotation axis, it can rotate without limitation in a direction different from a predetermined operation direction independently of the operation mechanism.

  7, 8, and 10, the operation transmission shaft member 290 and the display member 250 are integrally connected, and the operation transmission shaft member 290 is disposed in the through hole 265 of the sliding shaft member 260. The sliding shaft member 260 and the operation transmission shaft member 290 are also integrally connected. Therefore, as the cover member 201 moves in the predetermined operation direction, the sliding shaft member 260 also moves, and the operation transmission shaft member 290 inserted through the inside thereof, and the display member 250 also move.

  However, even if the player rotates the cover member 201 without limitation in a direction different from the predetermined operation direction in which the cover member 201 is D1 to D4 (front and rear, left and right) or Ps (press), transmission of the rotation operation of the cover member 201 itself is transmitted. Is interrupted by the gap G between the sliding shaft member 260 and the sliding fixing member 280 (becomes idle). Therefore, the rotation operation of the cover member 201 is not transmitted to the operation transmission shaft member 290. Therefore, the possibility that the operating device 200 is damaged by the rotation of the cover member 201 is reduced. Of course, the rotating operation does not act on the switch unit 230 via the cross contact body 291 and does not cause a change in the operation state of the various electric gaming machines described above. In particular, creative designs are often used for the frame of gaming machines, and resin materials are widely used to ensure the degree of freedom of design. In this case, there is a possibility that the weak part of the frame structure may be damaged by an unreasonable operation of the operating device. In such a case, the impact of an unreasonable operation is absorbed by the idle rotation of the cover member 201.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the disclosed form, the display member 250 provided in the operation device 200 will be described. In the display member 250 constituting a part of the operation mechanism, the display surface 251 is formed on the uppermost surface. The display surface 251 clearly indicates D1 to D4 (front and back, left and right) and Ps (press) that are the operation directions of the operation device 200 to the player. "And" PUSH "are specified in the center. As described above, the cover member 201 uses the transparent member 240 made of a transparent resin. Even when the cover member 201 is pivotally attached to the operation mechanism via the slide shaft member 260 and the slide fixing member 280, the visibility of the display of the operation direction of the display member 250 (display surface 251) is improved. Secured.

  As described above, the rotating operation of the cover member 201 and the moving operation of the display member 250, the switch unit 230, and the like inside thereof are irrelevant. Therefore, the display surface 251 of the display member 250 is not affected by the cover member 201. That is, even if the cover member 201 rotates, the display surface 251 is fixed and does not rotate with the cover member 201. Therefore, the display member 250 (display surface 251) always clearly indicates D1 to D4 (front and back, left and right) and Ps (press) that are the operation directions of the operation device 200, and the player misidentifies the operation direction. It will be less.

  The display member 250 includes a display surface 251 and a display member pedestal portion 254 fitted to the display surface 251, and the display member inner substrate 253 on which the LED 252 is appropriately laid is closely attached to the display member pedestal portion 254. The LED 252 is lit by receiving power supply from the harness Eh connected to the display member inner substrate 253. The harness Eh is connected to the switch unit 230. Therefore, the display surface 251 of the display member 250 is formed from a transparent or translucent resin. The display member base 254 is fixedly connected to the display member 250 and the operation transmission shaft member 290 by screws (not shown) inserted into the screw holes 294.

  For example, when the operation of the operation device 200 is effective according to the progress of the game, the player can be prompted to operate the operation device by turning on and blinking the LED 252. Signals such as lighting of the LED 252 are controlled based on various commands of the main control circuit 121 and the sub control circuit 131.

  The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, and may be implemented by appropriately changing a part of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the operating device of the present embodiment, the cover member that can rotate without restricting the predetermined operating direction to a different direction has a structure that is slidably attached via a sliding shaft member and a sliding fixing member. For example, free rotation can be obtained by connecting the cover member and the operation transmission shaft member using a ball bearing. In addition, at least a part of the operating member of the operating device is configured to protrude outward from the operating device arrangement portion of the gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation device is operated in substantially the same plane as the operating device arrangement portion. A member can also be comprised. This is selected in view of the design aspect of the gaming machine. Further, although no detection device is provided in the rotation structure of the cover member, a configuration may be provided in which a rotation detection device is separately provided to notify the player.

  Although the present invention has been described using a pachinko gaming machine, it can be applied to other appropriate gaming machines such as an arrange ball gaming machine and a slot machine gaming machine.

It is a front view of the whole gaming machine according to the first embodiment. It is a fragmentary perspective view of the lower ball saucer of the same gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows simply the system control of the game machine. It is a whole perspective view of an operating device. It is a disassembled perspective view of an operating device. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a switch unit. It is sectional drawing by the XX direction of FIG. 6 of an operating device. It is sectional drawing by the YY direction of FIG. 6 of an operating device. It is the perspective view and side view of a cover member and an operation transmission shaft member. It is sectional drawing by the ZZ direction of FIG. 9 of a cover member and an operation transmission shaft member. It is an enlarged view of the code | symbol Q part of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 34 Lower ball | bowl tray 100 Operation apparatus arrangement | positioning part 200 Operation apparatus 201 Cover member 203 Operation member 204 Operation mechanism 205 Electric equipment 210 Operation direction instruction ring 220 Mounting part 230 Switch unit 234a, 243b, 234c, 234d Touch switch 236 depression Detection switch 240 Transparent member 250 Display member 260 Sliding shaft member 270 Wheel member 273 Inner rim portion 280 Sliding fixing member 290 Operation transmission shaft member (shaft member)
291 Cross contact body

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine provided with an operating device arrangement unit for changing an operating state of an electrical gaming device in an operating device arrangement unit,
The operation device is provided so as to be movable in a predetermined operation direction with respect to the operation device arrangement portion, and the operation state of the electric gaming device is caused by the movement operation in the predetermined operation direction. It has an operating member to change,
The operation member includes an operation mechanism having an electric device for changing an operating state of the electric gaming apparatus by moving in the predetermined operation direction, and a cover member that covers an outer side of the operation mechanism,
The cover member is pivotally attached to the shaft member on the operation mechanism side,
While both the cover member and the operation mechanism move in the predetermined operation direction, the cover member can rotate without limitation in a direction different from the predetermined operation direction independently of the operation mechanism with the shaft member as a rotation axis. A gaming machine characterized by being.   The operation mechanism is provided with a display member displaying the predetermined operation direction, and the display of the operation direction of the display member is visually recognized when the cover member is attached to the shaft member on the operation mechanism side. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a transparent member is provided on the cover member.   The operation state of the electric gaming machine does not change when the cover member rotates without limitation in a direction different from the predetermined operation direction independently of the operation mechanism with the shaft member as a rotation axis. The gaming machine according to 1 or 2.   At least a part of the operation member is provided so as to protrude outward from the operation device arrangement portion, and a part of the operation member protruding outward is covered with the cover member. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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