JP2007313058A - Illuminator for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reliably prevent a circuit of a printed wiring board from short-circuiting even when a light source provided on the printed wiring board is arranged closely to a reflector. <P>SOLUTION: An illuminator 29 for a game machine is provided with the reflector part 64e, the printed wiring board 62 and a cover member 63. The reflector part 64e has conductivity at its surface, and has an open bottom part. The printed wiring board 62 has an LED 62a facing the opening at the reflector part 64e and an energizing part exposed to outside on its surface, and is arranged closely to the reflector part 64e. The cover member 63 integrally has a cover part formed of a transparent insulator and covering at least the energizing part of the surface of the printed wiring board 62, and a lens part 63c which covers outside of the LED 62a to scatter light advancing from the LED 62a to the reflector part 64e, and the cover member 63 is arranged on the surface of the printed wiring board 62. The energizing part of the printed wiring board 62 never contacts with the conductive surface of the reflector part 64e. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting device for a gaming machine such as a ball game machine.

  In general, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a launching device that launches a game ball by a handle operation, and the game ball fired by this launching device passes through a specific winning opening (start winning prize opening). In response to this, the change of the special symbol displayed on the display device (electronic winning / losing lottery) is started. When the winning / losing lottery is won, a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed on the display device, and a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player is generated. In the jackpot gaming state, the special winning opening (big winning opening) opens and closes to accept gaming balls, so that the player can acquire many winning balls. By the way, in the above-mentioned ball game machines, a bullet equipped with a light source such as an LED on a front frame door or the like and a reflector for reflecting the light of the light source to give directivity. There is a ball game machine.

JP 2005-46508 A

  In the conventional illumination device, in order to sufficiently exhibit the function of the reflector, it is preferable to arrange the light source close to the opening of the reflector. For example, when the lighting device is arranged in a portion where the width in the front-rear direction is limited, such as the lower part of the front frame door where the ball tray is provided, the light source is arranged close to the reflector for layout reasons. It is preferable.

  Here, as a general method for improving the reflection efficiency of the reflector, it is known that the surface of the reflector is subjected to metal plating or the reflector itself is formed of metal. Further, when the light source is relatively small like an LED, it is known to fix the light source to the surface of the printed wiring board.

  However, if the surface of the reflector is subjected to metal plating or the reflector itself is made of metal, the surface of the reflector becomes in a state where electricity can be applied. On the other hand, when the light source is fixed to the surface of the printed wiring board, there is a possibility that the leg portions of the circuit elements and the current-carrying parts of the board circuit such as solder are exposed on the surface of the printed wiring board.

  Therefore, it is necessary to arrange the printed wiring board and the reflector apart from each other in order to surely prevent a short circuit of the circuit board caused by the contact between the exposed energized portion of the printed wiring board and the reflector. It was difficult to place the light source close to the reflector.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to short-circuit the circuit of the printed wiring board even when the light source provided on the printed wiring board is arranged close to the reflector. An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device for a gaming machine that can be reliably prevented.

  In order to achieve the above object, a lighting device for a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a reflector portion, a printed wiring board, and a cover member. The reflector portion is provided on an exterior member of the gaming machine and includes a recess having at least a surface having conductivity and an opening at the bottom. The printed wiring board has a light source facing the opening of the reflector part from the back side and a current-carrying part exposed to the outside on the surface, and is disposed close to the reflector part. The cover member is formed of a transparent insulator, and integrally includes a covering portion that covers at least the energization portion of the surface of the printed wiring board, and a lens portion that covers the outside of the light source and diffuses light from the light source toward the reflector portion. And disposed on the surface of the printed wiring board.

  In the above configuration, the light source of the printed wiring board is disposed in the vicinity of the reflector portion. Therefore, the function of the reflector can be sufficiently exhibited. In addition, since the lighting device can be configured in a compact manner, layout restrictions are reduced. For example, even a portion with a limited width in the front-rear direction, such as the lower part of a front frame door provided with a ball tray, is illuminated. An apparatus can be provided.

  Moreover, in the said structure, since the coating | coated part of a cover member covers at least an electricity supply part among the surfaces of a printed wiring board, the electrically conductive surface of a printed wiring board and the surface which has the electroconductivity of a reflector part do not contact. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent a short circuit of the printed wiring board circuit.

  Moreover, in the said structure, a cover member has a lens part which diffuses the light which goes to the reflector part from the light source of a printed wiring board. Thereby, the light of few light sources can be irradiated in a wide range.

  According to the present invention, even when the light source provided on the printed wiring board is arranged close to the reflector, a short circuit of the circuit on the printed wiring board can be reliably prevented.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a gaming machine (for example, a ball) that is installed in a place such as a game machine-installed store and that allows a player to play a game based on supply of gaming media (for example, a gaming ball or medal). The structure and operation of a gaming machine or a spinning machine) will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card purchased by a player from a game machine-installed store is paid into a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) 1 by paying a value such as cash. Thus, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine in which a player plays a game in the form of borrowing a game ball used for the game will be described. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine is electronic when a borrowed game ball is received in a predetermined winning opening (start chucker, starting winning opening) 2 and enters a winning state. If the result of the lottery is selected and the result of the lottery is a win, the game ball is easy to win the special winning opening (large winning opening) 3 so that the gaming state is advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state. This is a bullet ball game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine). However, the present invention is not limited to the gaming machine of the present embodiment. For example, in the Law on the Optimization of Customs Business and the Law on the Suitability of Business (Fair Management Optimization Act) and the Law Enforcement Regulations, the pachinko game It can also be applied to those classified as a machine or a revolving game machine.

[Outline of gaming machine structure]
The gaming machine of the present embodiment includes, as an external structure, an outer frame (wooden frame) 4, a main body member (main body) 5, an open frame door unit 6 having a lighting device 29, a game board 7, a door 8 with a ball tray, a ball A tray 9, a rotary operation handle (ball launching handle) 10, a ball lending-related operation unit 11, and a stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball tray 9 are provided on the front side thereof. In addition, this gaming machine has, as an internal structure, a main control device 13, a sub-control device 14, a game ball payout device 15, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a collection passage member 18, a storage tank 19, A passage member (prize ball opening) 20 used when paying out game balls, and a power supply device 21, a firing control device 22, a firing drive device 23, and the like are provided on the rear surface side.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail in the order of an external structure, an internal structure, a game area configuration, and an electrical configuration with reference to FIGS.

[External structure]
First, the external structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The outer frame 4 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body member 5 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 4 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 4 via a hinge portion 26. Moreover, the main body member 5 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside.

  The opening frame door unit 6 has a lock device 25 and is attached to the front surface of the main body member 5 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable via a hinge portion 26 and configured in a frame shape. The door member has an opening 27 inside thereof, and includes a plurality of lighting devices 29 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8 to 11.

  The opening frame door unit 6 according to this embodiment includes a board mounting base 61, a plurality of printed wiring boards 62, a plurality of cover members 63, an exterior member 64 having a reflector portion 64e, and a plurality of exterior decorative lenses 65. And.

  And the illuminating device 29 of this embodiment is provided with the said printed wiring board 62, the said cover member 63, the said reflector part 64e, and the said external appearance lens 65 at least 1 each.

  The board mounting base 61 is a resin-made opening frame member, and includes a nut portion 61a (shown in FIG. 9), a screwing portion 61b (shown in FIG. 9), a speaker mounting portion 61c, and a lock device mounting portion 61d. And a mounting portion 61e.

  The nut portion 61a is an attachment portion to which the printed wiring board 62 and the cover member 63 are fixed. The screwing portion 61b is an attachment portion to which the exterior member 64 is fixed. The speaker attachment portion 61c is an attachment portion to which the speaker 30 is fixed. The lock device attachment portion 61d is an attachment portion to which the lock device 25 is fixed. The mounting portion 61 e is a connection portion that is connected to the main body member 5 via the hinge portion 26.

  The speaker 30 is attached to the speaker attachment portion 61c. The lock device 25 is attached to the lock device attachment portion 61d.

  The printed wiring board 62 is disposed on the front surface of the board mounting base 61, and includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 62a that is a light source of the lighting device 29 of the present embodiment and circuit elements for supplying electricity to the LED 62a. The printed circuit board is soldered and has a positioning hole 62b (shown in FIG. 11) and a screwing portion 62c (shown in FIG. 9). Since the printed wiring board 62 does not arrange (insulate) the circuit around the screwing portion 62c, even if it is screwed with a conductive screw (not shown), a short circuit occurs. There is no fear.

  The LED 62a is a light source that is turned on by the lamp control device 14b during a game. The positioning hole 62 b is a hole-like portion that accommodates the positioning convex portion 63 a of the cover member 63. The screwing portion 62c is a hole-like portion disposed so as to face the nut portion 61a.

  The cover member 63 is a thin plate-like member made of a transparent resin that is disposed on the front surface of the printed wiring board 62 and has substantially the same size as the printed wiring board 62, and includes a positioning projection 63a (see FIGS. 10 and 11). ), A screwing portion 63b (shown in FIG. 9), a lens portion 63c, and a housing portion 63d (shown in FIG. 9).

  The positioning convex portion 63a is a convex portion disposed to face the positioning hole portion 62b. The screwing portion 63b is a hole-like portion disposed so as to face the screwing portion 62c. The lens portion 63c is a structure that is disposed to face the LED 62a, has a convex diffusing portion that is cut in multiple faces on the front side, and has a concave accommodating portion 63d that accommodates the LED 62a on the back side (FIG. 9).

  The exterior member 64 is a resin-made opening frame member disposed on the front surface of the cover member 63, and includes a nut portion 64a (shown in FIG. 9), a positioning convex portion 64b, a speaker protection net portion 64c, and a lock. A device frame portion 64d and a reflector portion 64e having a recess having an opening facing the LED 62a at the lower portion are provided. Further, the exterior member has a metallic luster over the entire surface by performing metal plating on the entire surface, and has conductivity over the entire surface.

  In addition, the function as a reflector of improving the light reflection efficiency can be exhibited by performing metal plating processing at least from the opening portion where the LED 62a faces to the inner surface of the reflector portion 64e. Further, the function as the reflector can also be exhibited by forming the exterior member 64 itself with metal. In any of these cases, at least the surface of the reflector portion 64e in the exterior member 64 has conductivity.

  Further, the exterior member 64 may be configured integrally with the cover member 63.

  The nut portion 64 a is an attachment portion that is disposed to face the screwing portion 61 b and that fixes the exterior member 64 to the board attachment base 61. The positioning convex portion 64 b is a convex portion for fixing the appearance decorative lens 65. The speaker protection net portion 64c is a net-like portion disposed to face the speaker attachment portion 61c. The locking device frame portion 64d is an opening frame portion disposed to face the locking device attachment portion 61d. The reflector portion 64e is a structure that is disposed to face the one or more lens portions 63c (one or more of the LEDs 62a).

  The exterior decorative lens 65 is a translucent resin member disposed on the front surface of the exterior member 64 and has a positioning hole 65a.

  The positioning hole portion 65a is a hole-shaped portion disposed to face the positioning convex portion 64b.

  In the illumination device 29 of the present embodiment, the outer side of the LED 62a is covered with the lens portion 63c by the cover member 63 disposed on the surface of the printed wiring board 62, and the LED 62a and circuit elements are arranged. Current-carrying parts such as legs and solder are covered. Further, the reflector portion 64e is disposed in the vicinity of the printed wiring board 62 covered with the cover member 63, and the LED 62a faces the opening of the reflector portion 64e. That is, the thin plate-like cover member 63 is disposed in a state where it can come into contact with the back side of the reflector portion 64e. In the present embodiment, the reflector portion 64 e is covered by the appearance decorative lens 65.

  When assembling the opening frame door unit 6 according to the present embodiment, the printed wiring board 62, the cover member 63, and the exterior member 64 are first fixed to the board mounting base 61, and finally the exterior decorative lens 65 is fixed. To do.

  Specifically, the positioning projections 63a of the cover member 63 are accommodated in the positioning holes 62b of the printed wiring board 62, and the screw (in FIG. 11) is overlapped (shown in FIG. 11). (Not shown) is inserted into the screw fastening portions 63b and 62c from the front, and screwed into the nut portion 61a to be fixed. Next, the exterior member 64 is overlapped so as to cover the substrate mounting base 61, and a screw (not shown) is inserted through the screwing portion 61b from the back surface of the substrate mounting base 61 and screwed into the nut portion 64a to be fixed. To do. Finally, the positioning hole 65a of the exterior decorative lens 65 is fixed in accordance with the positioning convex part 64b of the exterior member 64, and the reflector part 64e is covered, whereby the assembly of the opening frame door unit 6 is completed.

  Then, by connecting the mounting portion 61 e to the main body member 5 via the hinge portion 26, the opening frame door unit 6 is mounted on the front surface of the main body member 5 so as to be freely opened and closed.

  The exterior member 64 and the exterior decorative lens 65 define an opening 27 inside the opening frame door unit 6. The printed circuit board 62 of the lighting device 29 is electrically connected to the power supply device 21 and the lamp control device 14b provided on the main body member 5 side via a connector (not shown) disposed in the vicinity of the hinge portion 26. Connected.

  Further, on the back side of the opening frame door unit 6, a transparent plate member 28 made of glass or resin is attached to the front surface of the main body member 5 via the hinge portion 26 so as to be openable and closable.

  The locking device 25 is locked in a state where the opening frame door unit 6 and the transparent plate member 28 are closed with respect to the main body member 5. The lock device 25 is locked during a game, and unlocked by a game provider when an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine.

  The game board 7 has a game area 31 on its board surface, and is detachably attached to the main body member 5 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 5. The game area 31 can be observed from the opening 27 after the game board 7 is mounted on the main body member 5.

The door 8 with a ball tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In the present embodiment, the following members are attached to the door 8 with a ball tray.
(1) A ball tray 9 in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 23 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle 10 having a game ball launch stop button 10a for launching a game ball guided to the launch drive device 23 to a game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7. .
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit 11 including buttons for instructing a prepaid card reading process and a lending process related to a game ball borrowed by a player (hereinafter referred to as a lending ball).
(4) A stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball receiving tray 9 for allowing the player to discharge the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 9 to a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).

[Internal structure]
Next, the internal structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The main control device 13 functions as a control means according to the present invention, and is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to these. The main control device 13 performs electric game control processing and generates main processing information.

  The sub-control device 14 is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to them, and performs control to execute a predetermined output mode process according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Device. The sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a lamp control device 14b, and a sound control device 14c.

  The game ball payout device 15 is a device provided with a drive source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as a game profit (hereinafter referred to as a prize ball) in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined winning condition.

  The ball lending signal control device 16 controls the prepaid card reading processing relationship and the lending lending processing relationship.

  The movable object control device 17 has a plurality of movable objects (for example, a movable piece 44, a movable door 45, a prize area distribution item, an effect, etc.) arranged in the game area 31 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control apparatus 13. A moving object for operation) is provided individually corresponding to a plurality of movable objects. The movable object control device 17 of the present embodiment includes a movable piece drive device, a movable door drive device, a winning area distribution drive device, and an effect moving object drive device.

  The collection passage member 18 is a passage for collecting the game balls that have been launched into the game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7 by the rotary operation handle 10 to the back side of the game board 7 (common name, collective bowl). It is the member which becomes.

  The passage member 20 used when paying out the game ball is a member that serves as a passage for guiding a winning ball or a rental ball to the ball tray 9.

  The power supply device 21 is a device that supplies power to each control device in the gaming machine in response to power being turned on.

  When an operation for launching a game ball to the game area 31 is performed via the rotary operation handle 10, the launch control device 22 launches 100 play balls in one minute. And the like, and the launching intensity of the game ball is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rotary operation handle 10.

  The launch drive device 23 is a device that activates the launch drive unit for the game ball in accordance with launch control by the launch control device 22 and launches the game ball into the game area 31.

[Composition of game area]
Next, the configuration of the game area 31 of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The game area 31 is partitioned and formed so as to be substantially circular by a guide rail 32 and a game ball regulation rail 33 for sliding the game ball, and regulates the movement range of the game ball launched by the rotary operation handle 10. It is an area. The game ball regulation rail 33 is configured to be continuously connected to the guide rail 32, and the guide rail 32 and the game ball regulation rail 33 are spirally arranged on the board surface of the game board 7 as a whole. .

  In the game area 31, a variable display device (special symbol display device) 34, an LED display device 35, a stage 36, a predetermined winning port (general winning port) 37, a predetermined passing port (through chucker) 38, and an out port 39 are provided. A game nail (not shown), a windmill 40, a specific hold number display lamp 41, a passing hold number display lamp 42, an effect display lamp 43, and the like are provided.

  The variable display device 34 has identification information in accordance with a result of an electronic winning lottery executed in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, winning a game ball into a predetermined winning opening). The display control device stops display after variably displaying the identification display information (for example, a symbol, a character, a background image, etc.). The variable display device 34 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a drum display device, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, or an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device. .

  The LED display device 35 is a device that displays various information to the player using LEDs. For example, a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball passes through a predetermined passage, etc.). In accordance with the result of the electronic winning lottery executed according to the above, the identification lighting information as identification information is variably displayed by the LED and then stopped and displayed.

  The stage 36 is a structure provided with a landing that allows the game ball to stay temporarily below the variable display device 34 and then allows the game ball to fall.

  The predetermined winning opening 37 is a structure provided with a plurality of openings at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and having openings for receiving the falling game balls. Note that the specific prize opening 2 and the special prize opening 3 are also included in the predetermined prize opening 37.

  Here, the specific winning opening 2 is one of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable piece 44 for expanding and contracting the opening range of the winning opening, and the game ball wins the winning opening. In response to this, the variable display device variably displays the identification display information, and is a winning opening for allowing the player to acquire a prize ball. The special winning opening 3 is one of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable door 45 that generates an open state that exposes the winning opening and a closed state that closes the winning opening. Is a winning opening that allows a player to acquire more prize balls than other winning openings in response to winning a winning opening. Hereinafter, a plurality of predetermined winning ports 37 other than the specific winning port 2 and the special winning port 3 are referred to as other winning ports 37.

  The predetermined passage 38 is a structure provided with a predetermined number of gates at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and through which a falling game ball passes.

  The out port 39 is a game ball collection opening provided at a position where the game balls that have not entered any of the predetermined winning ports 37 are converged.

  The game nail has a plurality of rod shapes that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface of the game board 7 in order to make the movement direction of the game ball irregular by making contact with the game ball or to regulate the movement direction of the game ball. It is a member.

  The windmill 40 is a rotating member that can rotate by contact with a game ball.

  The specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 is a light-emitting device that notifies a hold state related to the start of variable display after winning a prize to the specific winning opening 2 by turning on or off.

  The passing hold number display lamp 42 is a light emitting device that notifies the holding state relating to the start of variable display after the passage to the predetermined passage port 38 is turned on or off.

  The effect display lamp 43 is a light-emitting device that has various lighting modes according to changes in the gaming state after the power is turned on.

[Electrical configuration]
Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has, as an electrical configuration, a CR unit 1, a main control device 13, a sub control device 14, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a power supply device 21, and a launch control device 22. , A firing drive device 23, a detection sensor 47, a centralized management device 48, a payout control device 52, and the like. The configurations of the CR unit 1, the ball lending signal control device 16, the movable object control device 17, the power supply device 21, the launch control device 22, and the launch drive device 23 are as described above, and hence the description thereof is omitted below. To do.

  The main controller 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13b for storing a predetermined control program (computer program), and a generated process. It consists of a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13c that temporarily stores information and deletes the stored information, a frequency generation circuit unit 13d that generates a periodic signal, and the like, and performs main information processing in the gaming machine. This is a device that performs processing and generates processing information to be input to the sub-control device 14.

  The sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a lamp control device 14b, and a sound control device 14c, and performs predetermined output mode processing according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. The sub-control device 14 may be configured as a device for each output mode process, or may be configured by combining a plurality of output mode processes. Each control device constituting the sub-control device 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM so that the processing can be executed independently according to the processing information.

  Here, the symbol control device 14a is identified by controlling the variable display device 34 or the LED display device 35 via the video display processor (VDP) 50 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that performs control to stop and display after lighting information or identification display information is variably displayed.

  The lamp control device 14b, according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13, is an effect display lamp (electric decoration) 43 provided in the lighting device 29 and the game area 31 of the present embodiment, or a specific reserved number display lamp. 41, a device that controls lighting of the passage hold number display lamp 42 and the like. The information represented by the specific hold number display lamp 41 or the passing hold number display lamp 42 may be notified as identification display information by the variable display device 34.

  The voice control device 14c is a device that controls the voice generation device 51 such as the speaker 30 and the sound processor according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13 to generate voice.

  Specifically, the detection sensor 47 includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, and a game ball payout detection sensor 47f. And an error detection sensor 47g. Each of the detection sensors includes a specific winning port 2, a special winning port 3, a winning specific region (for example, a region on the right side from the approximate center of the special winning port 3), a predetermined passing port 38, other winning ports 37, and a winning ball port. 20 and in the vicinity of the ball passage 49a of the ball passage member 49 where ball clogging is likely to occur, and detects whether or not a game ball passes at each location.

  The centralized management device 48 is a device that manages processing information generated by the main control device 13 outside the gaming machine.

  The payout control device 52 is a device that controls the game ball payout device 15 to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. In addition, the payout control device 52 refers to the data information stored in the prepaid card read into the CR unit 1 via the ball lending signal control device 16 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13, and performs predetermined processing. It is a device that performs control to pay out a number of rented balls and counts and manages the number of lent out balls.

[Game machine operation]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described by dividing it into the operations of the main control device 13 and the sub control device 14.

[Operation of main controller]
First, the operation of the main controller 13 that performs main game control will be described.

  The power supply device 21 supplies power to the electrical control device of the gaming machine in response to power being turned on. Then, when the power is supplied, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 checks necessary confirmation items as an initial setting, and checks whether or not the gaming machine is in an appropriate activation state.

  Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs, as main routine processing, random number update processing, input detection reception processing, input management processing, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing, lamp management processing, and preparation ball payout processing. External information management processing and output management processing are performed.

  Here, the main routine processing in the present embodiment is executed by a control program (computer program) stored in advance in the ROM 13b provided in the main control device 13.

  The main routine processing is to generate a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) by frequency division setting based on a periodic signal generated by the frequency generation circuit unit 13d, and to match the generated timing pulse. The CPU 13a is a basic routine that repeatedly executes a control execution process including reading and updating of each of the processes, writing and storing, or deletion of the memory.

  Hereinafter, the input detection reception process, the input management process, the special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, and the lamp management process of the main routine process will be described in detail.

"Input detection reception process"
The input detection reception process includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error. This is a process of monitoring whether there is input information generated by the detection sensor 47g according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) and receiving the input information from the sensor.

"Input management process"
The input management process analyzes the input information received by the input detection reception process, and, for example, according to the analysis result such as from which detection sensor the input signal is, Performs processing such as counting management of game balls and time management from the time of reception related to winning detection until control processing based on winning is started, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing, lamp This is a process that makes it possible to use the processing results as appropriate in performing the management process and the prize ball payout process.

"Special symbol control process"
In the special symbol control process, an electronic winning / losing lottery is performed in response to receiving input information from the specific winning ball detection sensor 47a provided in the vicinity of the specific winning opening 2, and in the case of winning, a normal game This is a process for making it easy for a game ball to win a special winning opening 3 so that a game state advantageous to the player (a big hit game state) is obtained. In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 also performs a process related to display control of identification display information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol) by the variable display device 34.

  Here, the special symbol is a plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, three symbols of left, middle, and right) that variably display the result of the success / failure lottery based on the winning of the game ball in the specific winning port 2. When the lottery result is a win, a plurality of identification information is displayed in a display mode stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, a state in which all three symbols of left, middle, and right are aligned with the same symbol) Thereby, it is notified that the game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player has been shifted. In such a gaming state, a state in which more prize balls can be acquired in a shorter time than in the normal gaming state occurs continuously. On the other hand, if the lottery result is out of place, a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped in a display mode other than a predetermined combination (for example, at least one of the three symbols of left, middle, and right is different from the other). Thus, it is notified that the normal gaming state is continuing.

  Moreover, the variable display in the special symbol is a mode in which a plurality of different special symbols (for example, 12 types) set in advance are periodically displayed at a predetermined speed in a plurality of display areas (for example, This is a display method performed in three ways (left, middle, right, etc.). Hereinafter, the effect in the variable display and the background fluctuation (including character display) accompanying the variable display is referred to as a notification effect.

  In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 receives the winning of a game ball in the specific winning opening 2 as a trigger, and determines whether or not the lottery results according to the comparison of predetermined numerical values by random number extraction and the lottery result. In order to perform such display control, a random number for determining whether or not to shift to an advantageous gaming state for determining whether or not to win (lottery) and a variable display according to the determination result of whether or not the variable display device 34 is used. Random number update processing generates a random number for determining a variation pattern for providing a notification effect and a random number for determining a special symbol for setting a stop display according to the determination result of the variable display device 34 in the same manner. To do. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 individually reads the generated random numbers and stores them in the RAM 13c as acquired random numbers.

  Further, in this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the condition on the condition that the preceding control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control has not already been performed at the time of obtaining the random number. A determination of success / failure is made by comparing the acquired random number with a comparison value for success / failure preset in the table as a numerical distribution data group, and the result information is stored in the RAM 13c.

  Next, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the variation pattern comparison numerical value for winning or losing that has been classified and stored in advance in the table on the basis of the success / failure, and the stored obtained random number for determining the variation pattern. Then, by comparing and comparing according to the success / failure information stored in the storage means, the variation pattern determination is performed, and the variation pattern number for the hit or miss as a result is stored in the RAM 13c.

  Further, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 compares special symbols in a stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment mode) that is preliminarily classified and stored in the table based on whether or not it is correct. The special symbol determination is performed by comparing the stored numerical value and the stored acquired random number for determining the special symbol according to the stored success / failure information according to the variation pattern number to be hit or missed. Each of the plurality of special symbols obtained from the result is individually stopped and displayed, and special symbol information (left / middle / right special symbol numbers) for winning or losing is stored in the RAM 13c.

  As a result of the special symbol control process described so far, processing information obtained after winning a prize at the specific winning opening 2 is (1) a variation pattern number for winning or losing, and (2) temporarily stopping for a predetermined variable display area. A number of special symbols for winning or losing, including display (including fine motion display), and (3) A definitive stop for causing a plurality of special symbols for temporary display to be stopped An instruction number and (4) a jackpot shift instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure are generated.

  Note that if a prior control process such as a notification effect process by special symbol control has been performed at the time of acquisition of a random number by the random number generation means, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 reads until the control process ends. In order to store the acquired random number related to the special symbol control as a result or the processing information for execution of the display mode in the storage means, and to notify the storage, the specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 is set every time a random number or the like is stored. Lighting command information to be transmitted to the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) side is generated to light one by one.

  Then, based on the timer that is updated by the count calculation that is set to manage the transition of the variation display time of the variation pattern that is variably displayed, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 notifies the stop display mode notification time. In accordance with this timing, unnecessary acquired random numbers or processing information stored in the storage means are deleted, and when the fixed stop instruction number is transmitted, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned off one by one. That is, the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) uses the fixed stop instruction number as the turn-off command processing information when the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned on.

  Also, in this special symbol control process, the result of determination of whether or not to shift to the advantageous gaming state (big hit gaming state) is a hit, and in order to notify the winning result, a predetermined combination of the special symbols is predetermined. When executing the displayed stop display mode, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs the following processing. That is, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 responds to the win in order to shift to the advantageous gaming state (a) the movable door 45 provided to be closed with respect to the special prize winning port 3. Either an open state, (b) a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are awarded to the special winning opening 3 The closing of the movable door 45 is controlled on condition that the above condition is satisfied. Further, (c) any of the game balls won in the open state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3. On the condition that the winning specific area detection sensor 47c has detected, the movable door 45 is continuously opened, and (d) the movable door 45 is opened and closed with the transition of the same condition as described above. , A predetermined upper limit number (for example, 16 times) Generating processing information for instructing to repeat until achieved.

"Normal design control processing"
The normal symbol control process is a process for making the game state advantageous to the player, and electronic determination of lottery in response to receiving input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d provided in the vicinity of the predetermined passing port 38. In the case of winning, the movable pieces 44 provided on both sides of the entrance of the specific winning port 2 are expanded to expand the opening range thereof, and the launched game ball can easily enter the specific winning port 2 . Moreover, in this normal symbol control process, the display control of the identification information called a normal symbol is also performed by the LED display device 35.

  Here, the normal symbol is a predetermined number of pieces of identification information for variably displaying or blinking the result of the success / failure lottery according to the input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d (for example, “O · −” → winning symbol, “ − · × ”→ off symbol). When the lottery result is a win, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are displayed in a specific combination that is stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, “O · −”), and thereby a gaming state advantageous for the player (for example, , Small hit) is notified. In such a gaming state, compared to the normal gaming state, a state in which a launched game ball is likely to win a prize occurs once or continuously. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out, the predetermined number of pieces of identification information becomes a display mode (eg, “− · ×”) that is stopped in a combination other than a predetermined specific combination, and thus the normal gaming state continues. Is informed. In the present invention, instead of the LED display device 35 that controls the display of the identification information, the variable display device 34 or a drum-type or dot-matrix type display device may be used, regardless of the display method.

  Further, in the normal symbol control process, in order to enter the advantageous gaming state, (a) a pair of movable pieces 44 that are configured to reduce the opening range with respect to the specific winning opening 2 are operated to A process of expanding the opening range for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) (opening the specific winning opening 2) and then returning to the original state (b) is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, once). Generate processing information to give instructions to perform.

"Lamp management process"
The lamp management process monitors whether there is processing information related to lamp lighting, such as winning process information generated in the input management process, according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds), and the lamp lighting This is a process for generating light emission processing information that is an output mode corresponding to the processing information when there is processing information related to the processing information. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 transmits the generated light emission processing information to the sub-control device 14 side, and stores the light emission processing information in the RAM 13c to be executed as a lighting notification output mode in the lamp management processing.

[Operation of sub-control unit]
Next, the operation of the sub control device 14 will be described.

  The sub-control device 14 performs an initial setting at the start of activation upon power-on, and performs a check process for necessary confirmation items. If the check processing result is normal, the shift to the main routine processing in the sub-control device 14 is permitted, and main control activation start information, which is stored information transmitted from the CPU 13a of the main control device 13, is received. .

  The main routine processing of the sub-control device 14 refers to a main control program stored in advance in a ROM provided in each of the symbol control device 14a, the lamp control device 14b, and the sound control device 14c, and a frequency generation circuit. This is a basic routine that repeatedly executes control execution processing including read update, write storage, deletion of the storage, or the like in accordance with a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) generated by the unit 13d. Hereinafter, an example of basic processing in the main routine processing of the sub-control device 14 will be described.

  First, the sub-control device 14 monitors whether or not the processing information transmitted in the output management processing has been received according to the timing pulse, and stores the information in the storage means (for example, RAM) when the reception is being performed. To do. Next, the sub-control device 14 performs an analysis process on the received process information, and in any gaming state, any of an abnormality monitoring process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, a lamp management process, and a ball payout process The process information (preceding command) and the output information to be executed (following command number) are determined.

  Then, the sub-control device 14 sets a flag according to the result of the analysis process, sets a timer for counting based on the control process execution time according to the output mode, and stores a predetermined control program A control process for reading out and executing a control program for an output mode corresponding to the result of the analysis process from (for example, ROM) is performed.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the lamp control device 14b when processing information is received will be described in order.

“Operation of the lamp controller”
When the received information is a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the special game state for special symbol control or a jackpot shift instruction number, the lamp control device 14b emits light in the normal game state for special symbol control. Based on the data table, the light emission data corresponding to the variation pattern number or the jackpot shift instruction number is set, and the light emission mode according to the light emission data set by the lighting-related lighting 43 and / or the lighting device 29 is obtained. The lamp lighting process is performed as follows.

  If the received information is stored information (light emission processing information) in a gaming state or privilege gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control, the lamp control device 14b Referring to the light emission data table in the privilege game state, light emission data that has a light emission mode different from that for the normal game state is set.

  Further, when the received information is stored information (lighting command processing information) in the normal gaming state for special symbol control or the advantageous gaming state or privilege gaming state for lighting the specific hold number display lamp 41 In this case, the lamp control device 14b turns on the specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 one by one, and from the fixed stop instruction number transmitted in accordance with the timing of the stop display mode notification time based on the timer of the main control device 13. In response to receiving the information, the specific hold number display lamps 41 are turned off one by one.

  When the received information is a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal game state for normal symbol control, or a small hit transition instruction number, the lamp control device 14b has the normal game state for normal symbol control. The light emission data corresponding to the variation pattern number or the jackpot shift instruction number is read out from the light emission data table and set in the light emission data table in FIG. The lamp lighting process is performed as follows.

  When the received information is stored information (light emission processing information) in a state that is a game advantageous for a player for normal symbol control or a privilege game state, the lamp control device 14b determines that the advantageous game With reference to the light emission data table in the state or the privilege gaming state, the light emission data that sets the light emission mode different from that for the normal gaming state is set.

  Further, the received information is stored information (lighting command processing information) for the normal game state for normal symbol control, the state that becomes the advantageous game, or the privilege game state for lighting the passage hold number display lamp 42. If there is, the lamp control device 14b turns on the passage holding number display lamp 42 one by one, and the fixed stop transmitted in accordance with the timing of the stop display mode notification time based on the timer of the main control device 13. In response to the reception of the information including the instruction number, the passage hold number display lamps 42 are turned off one by one.

  Furthermore, when the received information is other storage information such as processing information related to an error in a predetermined gaming state or processing information related to a preparation ball payout, the lamp control device 14b stores the stored information in a reference light emission data table. Light emission data to be a light emission mode according to information is set.

  The lighting device 29 of the present embodiment is turned on when the LED 62a of the printed wiring board 62 is in an energized state by being turned on by the lamp control device 14b. At this time, the light of the LED 62 a is first diffused by the lens portion 63 c of the cover member 63. Next, the light diffused by the lens part is reflected in the forward direction of the gaming machine by the reflector part 64e of the exterior member 64. And the light reflected by the reflector part 64e is irradiated toward the game machine front by the whole exterior decoration lens 65.

  In the present embodiment, the LEDs 62a of the printed wiring board 62 are arranged close to the reflector portion 64e. Therefore, the function of the reflector part 64e can be fully exhibited.

  Moreover, since the printed wiring board 62 and the exterior member 64 are disposed close to each other, the entire illumination device 29 can be configured compactly. Therefore, the illuminating device 29 can also be arranged below the front frame door where the ball tray 9 with a limited width in the front-rear direction is provided. Thereby, the inside of the ball tray 8 can be irradiated by the lighting device 29.

  In this embodiment, since the cover member 63 covers the leg portions of circuit elements such as the LEDs 62a exposed on the surface of the printed circuit board 62 and the energized areas such as solder, the energized section of the printed circuit board 62 and the reflector section 64e. There is no contact with the conductive surface. Therefore, a short circuit of the printed wiring board 62 can be surely prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the cover member 63 includes a lens portion 63c that diffuses light from the LED 62a of the printed wiring board 62 toward the reflector portion 64e. Thereby, the light of small LED62a can be irradiated in a wide range.

  In the present embodiment, the reflector portion 64e is covered with the translucent appearance decorative lens 65, so that the entire appearance decoration lens 65 can be brightened by the light of the small LED 62a.

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment to which the invention made by the present inventor is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited by the discussion and the drawings that form part of the disclosure of the present invention according to this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a back perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a front perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a rear view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a disassembled perspective view of the opening frame door unit which has the illuminating device of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is principal part sectional drawing of the opening frame door unit which has the illuminating device of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of a part of the cover member of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a printed wiring board and a cover member of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

  6 ... Opening frame door unit, 29 ... Illuminating device, 61 ... Board mounting base, 61a ... Nut part, 61b ... Screw fixing part, 62 ... Printed circuit board, 62a ... LED (light source), 62c ... Screw fixing part, 63 ... Cover member, 63b ... Screw fixing portion, 63c ... Lens portion, 63d ... Housing portion, 64 ... Exterior member, 64a ... Nut portion, 64e ... Reflector portion, 65 ... Exterior decoration lens

Claims (1)

A reflector part provided on an exterior member of the gaming machine, having at least a surface having conductivity and having a recess having an opening at the bottom;
A printed wiring board that has a light source facing the opening of the reflector part from the back side and a current-carrying part exposed to the outside on the surface, and is disposed in proximity to the reflector part;
A covering portion that is formed of a transparent insulator and covers at least the current-carrying portion of the surface of the printed wiring board, and a lens portion that covers the outside of the light source and diffuses light from the light source toward the reflector portion are integrated. And a cover member disposed on the surface of the printed wiring board,
A lighting device for a gaming machine, comprising:

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