JP2008295577A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent any malfunctioning of a game start means from occurring by the external light such as backing light, etc. <P>SOLUTION: A game starting device 6 includes: a start lever (lever section) 61 which is projected outward from a cabinet (enclosure) 2, the lever 61 swinging operation for starting a game; a supporting member (supporting section) 62 that supports the start lever 61 in a swingable manner; and a sensor section 63 which is placed inside the cabinet 2 and detects that the start lever 61 is swingingly operated in order to obtain a signal of the start of the game. The sensor section 63 is equipped with: a permanent magnet (magnet field generating section) 63a installed on the start lever 61 and one of the supporting member (supporting section) 62; and a coil (induced electromotive force generating section) 63b installed on the other. The coil 63b is placed at a position where it is affected by the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 63a and generates electromotive force ei by the change in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 63a along with the swinging operation of the start lever 61. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes an image display means and an illumination device, and in which a game start means is installed in the vicinity thereof.

  Generally, there are slot machines, pachinko machines and the like as game machines installed in a game hall such as a so-called pachinko shop. Here, a gaming machine will be described by taking a slot machine as an example. In other words, in general, a slot machine, when a game medium such as a medal or a game ball is inserted, determines an effective line according to the number of the inserted game media, and can start a game. Yes. Then, by operating the start lever (lever part) in the game starting means, the game is started, and the three reels (rotating cylinders) rotate all at once. Thereby, each symbol arranged on the outer peripheral surface of each reel moves in a certain direction within the reel display window. Here, when the player presses one of the stop buttons corresponding to each reel, the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is stopped. When all the reels are stopped, if the symbol combination stopped along the active line matches the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination, a winning corresponding to the winning combination is established. The number of game media corresponding to the winning is paid out to the player.

  In recent years, a large number of liquid crystal display devices (image display means) having a backlight are installed on the front surface of a housing in a slot machine, and the range of effects is greatly improved by this liquid crystal display device. It has been improved. In this case, the above-described start lever is usually disposed in the vicinity of the liquid crystal display device in the housing in consideration of operability. In addition, on the front surface of the housing, an electrical decoration device including a large number of light emitting diodes (light sources) for performing various effects and the like is provided at a plurality of positions.

  On the other hand, as the game starting means described above, for example, the one shown in Patent Document 1 is known. This game starting means is disposed on the inside of the housing, the above-mentioned start lever protruding outward from the front of the housing, a support portion attached to the housing and supporting the start lever so as to be swingable, And a sensor unit that detects that the start lever has been swung.

  The sensor unit includes a photo interrupter having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and a shutter provided at an end of the start lever. That is, when the start lever is in the neutral position, the shutter is positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, and the sensor unit is turned off by blocking light incident on the light receiving unit from the light emitting unit. When the shutter is operated, the shutter moves outward from between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, so that the light emitted from the light emitting unit enters the light receiving unit and is turned on to generate a game start signal. It is like that.

  The photo interrupter is covered with a boot for allowing light emitted from the light emitting portion to enter only the light receiving portion, and is covered with a cover for preventing external light from entering the light receiving portion.

JP 2003-317563 A

  However, in the above-described slot machines in recent years, since the liquid crystal display device has become larger, a backlight that emits more powerful light has been adopted. There is a possibility that the game starting means may malfunction due to entering the light receiving unit through the cover or the like. In addition, since the lighting devices are provided at a plurality of positions, it is considered that light leaked from these lighting devices may enter the light receiving unit, which may cause malfunction of the game starting means. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine provided with a game starting means that does not cause malfunction due to external light such as a backlight.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is directed to an image display means having a backlight in which an image display surface is arranged in front of the casing, and an electric power source having a plurality of light sources positioned in front of the casing. A gaming machine comprising a decoration device and a game start means arranged in the vicinity of the image display means or the electrical decoration device, wherein the game start means protrudes outward from the housing. A lever portion that performs a swing operation for starting, a support portion that supports the lever portion so as to be swingable, and the lever portion is swing-operated to obtain a game start signal located in the housing. The sensor unit includes a magnetic field generation unit provided on one side of the lever unit and the support unit, and an induced electromotive force generation unit provided on the other side. And the induced electromotive force generator is It is arranged at a position affected by the magnetic field from the magnetic field generator, and an induced electromotive force is generated by a change in the magnetic field from the magnetic field generator accompanying a swinging operation of the lever part. Yes.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the magnetic field generation unit is configured by a permanent magnet, and the induced electromotive force generation unit is configured by a coil made of a conducting wire. It is characterized by.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the game starting means may be configured such that when the induced electromotive force generated by the induced electromotive force generating unit reaches a predetermined voltage, A comparison circuit for generating a voltage signal of a predetermined level that can be a game start signal is provided.

  According to invention of Claims 1-3, a sensor part is provided with the magnetic field generation | occurrence | production part provided in any one side of a lever part and a support part, and the induced electromotive force generation part provided in the other side. The induced electromotive force generating unit is disposed at a position affected by the magnetic field from the magnetic field generating unit, and the induced electromotive force is generated by the change of the magnetic field accompanying the swing of the lever unit. It can be detected by the induced electromotive force generated in the induced electromotive force generating section that the rocking operation is performed. In this case, even if powerful light is incident on the sensor unit by using, for example, a large image display unit, there is no influence on the induced electromotive force generated in the induced electromotive force generating unit. It does not occur. Similarly, even if light leaking from the illumination device enters the sensor unit, the induced electromotive force of the induced electromotive force generating unit is not affected at all. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine provided with a game start means that does not cause any malfunction due to external light such as a backlight.

  Further, the swinging operation of the lever portion can be reliably detected by the induced electromotive force even if the shape and position of the magnetic field generating portion and the induced electromotive force generating portion are not highly accurate. That is, when manufacturing or assembling the magnetic field generator or the induced electromotive force generator, advanced technology is not required, so that the production efficiency can be improved and the cost can be reduced. Can do.

  In addition, since a cover or the like for shielding external light is not required, even if the magnetic field generation unit and the induced electromotive force generation unit are components that generate heat, the surroundings of these items become high temperature. There is nothing. Therefore, there is no possibility that the lifetime of the magnetic field generator and the induced electromotive force generator will be shortened as the temperature rises. In addition, since the boots and covers shown in the conventional example are not necessary, the number of parts and the cost can be reduced.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the magnetic field generating unit is configured by a permanent magnet and the induced electromotive force generating unit is configured by a coil made of a conductive wire, in order to detect the swing operation of the lever unit. In addition, no power is consumed. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced. In addition, since the structure is very simple with permanent magnets and coils, the cost can be reduced and the failure rate can be reduced. In addition, a material having sufficient durability against vibration can be obtained.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, the game start means generates a voltage signal of a predetermined level that can be a game start signal when the induced electromotive force generated by the induced electromotive force generation unit reaches a predetermined voltage. Since the comparison circuit is provided, there is an advantage that the voltage signal can be used as it is as a game start signal based on the swinging operation of the lever portion.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is one of gaming machines.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 shown in this embodiment is configured such that a specific winning is established based on a symbol that stops on a winning line. In addition, as a slot machine, one that plays a game using a valuable card or the like in addition to a game medium such as a coin, a medal, and a game ball is proposed, but in this embodiment, a medal is used. What was used will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the slot machine 1. An image display surface 5a of a liquid crystal display device (image display means) 5 is arranged on the front surface of a cabinet (housing) 2 constituting the outer peripheral portion of the slot machine 1 so as to occupy a wide portion at the top of the front surface. . The liquid crystal display device 5 can display an effect image or the like by a character or the like, and can visually recognize pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R described later. The configuration of the liquid crystal display device 5 will be described later.

  On the lower side of the image display surface 5a, a window frame 2A having a reel display window 2a that opens obliquely upward is provided at the center in the left-right direction. In the window frame 2A, three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided as variable display means. These reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are constructed of a mechanical type, and by rotating at a constant rotational speed (for example, 80 revolutions / minute), a plurality of symbols described on each outer peripheral surface are reels. The display window 2a is displayed so as to move in a constant direction at a constant speed. Each symbol has a code number “00” to “20”, and in this example, “Red 7”, “Blue 7”, “Bell”, “Watermelon”, “Replay” and “Cherry” are included. It consists of multiple things. Of the symbols, “Red 7” and “Blue 7” are set to constitute a specific winning combination. Here, the specific winning combination means a winning combination in which a bonus of BB (Big Bonus) or RB (Regular Bonus) is established.

  As shown in FIG. 4, pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5. Each of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, and is arranged in parallel with the semi-cylindrical curved outer peripheral surface facing the back surface of the liquid crystal display device 5. . Each of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R includes a reel body portion 42L, 42C, and 42R and a reel image display panel 41L, 41C, and 41R, as shown in FIG. Each of the reel body portions 42L, 42C, and 42R has a semi-cylindrical appearance. The reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R are attached to the semicircular cylindrical curved outer peripheral surfaces of the reel main body portions 42L, 42C, and 42R so as to cover the entire curved outer peripheral surfaces.

  Each of the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R is formed by a single organic EL display. Each of the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R may be formed by connecting a plurality of organic EL displays. Here, the organic EL display is a display that uses an organic substance that emits light when a voltage is applied, and forms a display by depositing a light emitter on a substrate such as glass, plastic, or film and applying a DC voltage thereto. Refers to the display. Since this organic EL display is a self-luminous element, the viewing angle is not limited and the visibility is excellent, so that the symbols are not easily seen depending on the position of the player's eyes. In addition, since a backlight is not required, it can be made thin (about 2 mm) and light. In the present embodiment, an example in which an organic EL display is used as the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R is shown, but a liquid crystal display with a backlight or the like may be used.

  On the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R, a plurality of pseudo symbols corresponding to the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed. This pseudo symbol can be visually recognized through the liquid crystal display device 5 from the outside of the cabinet 2. In addition, the pseudo symbols are displayed in a variable manner so as to synchronize with the rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. That is, when the start lever 61 is operated, the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R move in synchronism with the movement of the symbols accompanying the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Accordingly, even when the player performs the reel stop operation while visually recognizing the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R, the game result is almost the same as when the player performs the reel stop operation while visually recognizing the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. It is possible to get

  Each of the symbols on reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and each of the pseudo symbols on pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R can be visually recognized in total nine symbols (or pseudo symbols), three in the vertical direction from the front of cabinet 2. ing. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, five pay lines are set corresponding to the stop positions of nine visually recognizable symbols (or pseudo symbols) (in FIG. 2, pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R). Only an example is shown). That is, there are provided a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d that horizontally traverse three symbols (or pseudo symbols) arranged in the vertical direction, a cross-down line 8a, and a cross-up line 8e that traverse diagonally. These winning lines 8a to 8e may be displayed so as to be visible to the player, or may not be displayed.

  The winning lines 8a to 8e are one when one bet is placed by operating a 1-BET button 11 and a maximum BET button 12, which will be described later, or by inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 22. Only (center line 8c) is valid and when 3 bets are placed, 3 (center line 8c, top line 8b and bottom line 8d) are valid, and when the maximum number (3 in this example) is bet, 5 Everything is valid. A winning is established by stopping the symbols corresponding to a predetermined winning combination side by side on any of the activated winning lines 8a to 8e. An activated winning line may be referred to as an activated line.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a display unit 17 for displaying the number of payouts and the number of credits is provided on the front side of the cabinet 2 on the left side of the window frame 2A. The display unit 17 is composed of a 7-segment display, and displays a numerical value of a maximum of 4 digits. Then, the number of medals (number of credits) stored in the left two-digit portion is displayed, and the number of medals paid out when winning is established is displayed in the right two-digit portion.

  On the right side of the display unit 17, a medal insertion lamp 18, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, and a maximum BET lamp 9c are provided. The medal insertion lamp 18 blinks when the medal insertion can be accepted. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are lit according to the number of medals (hereinafter, also referred to as BET number) bet to play one game (unit game). Note that one game ends when all reels are stopped, or when medals are paid out, when medals are paid out.

  A game start display lamp 19 and a replay lamp 20 are provided on the left side of the display unit 17. The game start display lamp 19 is lit when at least one of the pay lines 8a to 8e is activated. The replay lamp 20 is turned on when winning a “replay”. That is, when the replay lamp 20 is lit, the game can be started without inserting medals.

  An operation unit 10 is provided at a position along the lower end of the window frame 2A. On the left side of the window frame 2A in the operation unit 10, a 1-BET button 11 and a maximum BET button 12 are provided on the horizontal surface. The 1-BET button 11 makes it possible to bet one credited medal on the game each time the button is pressed, and the maximum BET button 12 increases the maximum number (three in this example) by pressing once. It allows you to bet on the game. By operating the BET buttons 11 and 12, predetermined pay lines 8a to 8e are activated.

  In addition, a stored medal settlement button 14 (hereinafter referred to as a C / P button 14) is provided on the front portion of the operation unit 10 so as to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player to the left side by a push operation. Is provided. When “payout” is selected by switching the C / P button 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid-out medals are received by the medal receiving unit 16. It will be. On the other hand, when “credit” is selected, the number of medals is stored as credits in a memory (for example, RAM 33 described later) provided in the slot machine 1.

  On the right side of the C / P button 14, a start lever (lever part) 61 for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by a player's operation is attached so as to be swingable within a predetermined angle range. Yes. The start lever 61 is a component of a game start device (game start means) 6 described later. Further, stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3R, and 3C are provided on the front surface of the operation unit 10 at positions corresponding to the reels 3L, 3R, and 3C, respectively. ing.

  A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the window frame 2A in the operation unit 10. Furthermore, speakers 21L and 21R are provided on the front of the cabinet 2 at left and right positions at the upper end thereof. On the other hand, a medal payout opening 15 and a medal receiving part 16 are provided at the lower end portion of the front surface, and a speaker 21B is provided on the right side of the medal payout opening 15. In addition, an illumination device 29a having a plurality of light emitting diodes (light sources) is provided between the speakers 21L and 21R, and effects such as blinking according to the gaming state are performed. Furthermore, at each of the left and right side edge portions of the front surface of the cabinet 2, electrical decoration devices 29 b and 29 c including a plurality of light emitting diodes (light sources) are provided so as to extend in the vertical direction. These lighting devices 29b and 29c also perform effects such as blinking according to the gaming state.

  Also, below the operation unit 10, a waist panel 29 d on which a model name given to the slot machine 1 and a pattern such as a character in accordance with the concept of the slot machine 1 is drawn is arranged. The waist panel 29d is configured to emit and display light by a light source such as a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed therein. The waist panel 29d is also a kind of electric decoration device.

  Speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B as sound output means, which are examples of sensory stimulation means, perform mechanical reel rotation when a plurality of pseudo symbols displayed on reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R are moved and displayed. The assumed sound effect is output. The reel rotation sound effect is set to increase as the moving speed of the pseudo symbols displayed on the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R increases.

  Further, a vibration exciter (vibration source) 13 (see FIG. 10 for the sign) that generates vibration is provided in the cabinet 2. The vibration exciter 13 is provided as vibration generating means that is an example of sensory stimulation means, and is configured by providing an eccentric load on an output shaft of an electric motor, for example. The vibration exciter 13 is provided on the back side of the front portion of the cabinet 2 so that the generated vibration is transmitted to the player via the slot machine 1 or a table or a floor on which the slot machine 1 is installed. It has become. Further, the vibration exciter 13 is controlled so that its vibration energy increases as the moving speed of the pseudo symbols displayed on the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R increases.

  Next, the structure of the liquid crystal display device 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal display device 5 is a front panel 51 having a protective glass 52 and a display plate 53 arranged on the surface, a transparent liquid crystal panel 54, a light guide plate 55, a reflection film 56, a so-called white light source. A table carrier package (TCP) on which fluorescent lamps (backlights) 57a and 57b, 58a and 58b, lamp holders 59a to 59h, and an IC for driving the transparent liquid crystal panel 54 are mounted is provided. The TCP is configured by a flexible substrate connected to the terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. A predetermined interval is provided between the liquid crystal display device 5 and the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R.

  The protective glass 52 and the display board 53 are comprised with the transparent board | plate material. On the display plate 53, a pattern or the like indicating the BET lamps 9a to 9c is formed at a position outside the image display surface 5a in the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 53 is formed is a pattern formation area 51b in the front panel 51, and a portion along the inner edge of the pattern formation area 51b is the front panel 51. Display window 51a. The inside of the display window 51a is an image display surface 5a. In FIG. 4, various circuits 18, 9 a and the like arranged on the back side of the display board 53, the electric circuit for operating the display unit 17, and the like are not shown in FIG. 4.

  The transparent liquid crystal panel 54 is constituted by a liquid crystal sealed in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. As the transparent liquid crystal panel 54, a normally white panel is used which is white display (substantially colorless and transparent) when the liquid crystal is not driven. By adopting such a transparent liquid crystal panel 54, even if a situation in which the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, the pseudo symbols displayed on the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R through the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. Can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued.

  The light guide plate 55 is for guiding the light of the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b to the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. For example, a transparent member (having a light guide function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness of about 2 cm. Member). The light guide plate 55 is provided in close contact with the back surface of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54.

  The reflection film 56 is provided so as to be in close contact with the back surface of the light guide plate 55, a portion along the outer peripheral edge is a reflection region 56 </ b> A, and a non-reflection region (transmission region) in which the inside is formed in a square shape. 56B. The reflection region 56A has a configuration in which, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film is provided with a silver vapor deposition film or the like, and reflects light introduced into the light guide plate 55 toward the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. ing.

  The fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b are arranged along the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the light guide plate 55, and both ends are supported by the lamp holder 59. The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b is incident on the light guide plate 55 and then reflected by the reflection area 56 </ b> A of the reflection film 56 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. The fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b are covered with a cover (not shown) having a reflection function in order to efficiently guide the irradiated light to the light guide plate 55.

  The fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are disposed at positions corresponding to the upper and lower reflection regions 56A on the back surface of the reflection film 56, and radiate emitted light toward the curved outer peripheral surfaces of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. It is like that.

  The fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are illumination means as an example of sensory stimulation means. The fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b blink when the pseudo symbols displayed on the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R are moved and displayed. Is visible to the player along with the pseudo pattern. In addition, the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are controlled so that the blinking interval becomes shorter as the moving speed of the pseudo symbol increases.

  As described above, the liquid crystal display device 5 is irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b, reflected from the reflection region 56A, and irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b, and reflected from the surfaces of the pseudo reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. It is illuminated from behind by the light incident on the non-reflective region 56B. The liquid crystal display device 5 is in a transparent or non-transparent state depending on whether or not the portion corresponding to the non-reflective region 56B drives the liquid crystal.

  In this example, only a part of the liquid crystal display device 5 is configured to be switched to transparent or non-transparent, but the entire region is switched to transparent or non-transparent by deleting the reflective film 56 or the like. May be.

  As described above, since the vibration and volume increase or decrease the blinking of light according to the moving speed of the pseudo symbols on the reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R, the player views the pseudo symbols. Despite this, you can enjoy the realism as if you were looking at a mechanical reel.

  Next, the game start device 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 to 9. As shown in FIG. 1, the game start device 6 is provided with a start lever 61, in the vicinity of the liquid crystal display device 5 on the front of the cabinet 2, the left side lighting device 29c and the waist panel 29d on the front. Has been placed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the game start device 6 is attached to the front lever of the cabinet 2 and a start lever 61 that protrudes forward (outward) from the front of the cabinet 2 and performs a swing operation for starting the game. A support member 62 that supports the start lever 61 in a swingable manner, and a sensor unit that is located in the cabinet 2 and detects that the start lever 61 has been swung to obtain a game start signal. 63 and a comparator (comparison circuit) 64 shown in FIG.

  The start lever 61 includes a lever body 61a having a circular cross section extending linearly, and a spherical operation portion 61b provided at one end of the lever body 61a. The lever main body 61a has a flange portion 61c, a large diameter portion 61d, a medium diameter portion 61e, and a small diameter portion 61f that are successively reduced in diameter from one end side to the other end side in the axial direction. The lever body 61a is integrally formed of a metal material such as steel or stainless steel, and is sufficient to prevent plastic deformation even when a player applies a large force by hitting the operation portion 61b. Has strength. The small diameter portion 61f is formed with a screw hole 61m having a predetermined depth in the axial center portion of the other end face. The operation unit 61b is made of plastic.

  A cushion rubber 61g formed in a cylindrical shape is fitted to the outer diameter surface of the large diameter portion 61d, and an inner ring 61i is fitted to the outer diameter surface of the middle diameter portion 61e. The portion 61f is fitted with a diameter-enlarged flanged sleeve 61j, a reduced-diameter flanged sleeve 61n, and a compression coil spring 61q, and a permanent magnet 63a to be described later is attached through a screw hole 61m.

  The cushion rubber 61g relieves shock when the start lever 61 hits an opening end of a swing restricting hole 62d described later by a swing operation.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the inner ring 61i has a spherical inner ring bearing surface 61h on the outer periphery thereof, and engages with an outer ring bearing surface 62g, which will be described later, also formed in a spherical shape. It has become. In this case, the center point C of the inner ring bearing surface 61h is located on the center line of the lever body 61a, and the start lever 61 swings about the center point C. The inner ring 61i is formed of a resin having lubricity (for example, an oil-containing resin).

  The enlarged diameter flanged sleeve 61j has an enlarged diameter flange portion 61k protruding outward at one end in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 61f. The enlarged diameter flanged sleeve 61j is fitted to the small diameter part 61f so that the enlarged diameter flange part 61k is brought into contact with the other end surface of an outer ring 62e described later.

  The reduced diameter flanged sleeve 61n has a reduced diameter flange 61p that protrudes inward from the end on the small diameter side of the tapered cylindrical portion. The reduced diameter flange portion 61p is formed in such a diameter that its inner diameter is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 61f. The reduced diameter flanged sleeve 61n is fitted to the small diameter part 61f so that the reduced diameter flange 61p abuts one end surface of the main body 63c of the permanent magnet 63a described later.

  One end of the compression coil spring 61q is in contact with the enlarged diameter flange 61k of the enlarged diameter flanged sleeve 61j and the other end of the compressed coil spring 61q is compressed by a predetermined amount in the axial direction, and the reduced diameter flange 61p of the reduced diameter flanged sleeve 61n. , A predetermined elastic force acts on the other end surface of the outer ring 62e described later, and also acts on one end surface of the main body 63c of the permanent magnet 63a described later, thereby causing the inner ring bearing surface 61h of the inner ring 61i to act on the outer ring. The outer ring bearing surface 62g of 62e is brought into contact with a predetermined pressure.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the support member 62 has a cylindrical appearance, and a flange portion 62a is formed on the outer peripheral portion at a position on one end side in the axial direction. A male screw portion 62b having a smaller diameter than the flange portion 62a is formed coaxially on the end side, and a cover mounting portion 62c having a diameter smaller than the root diameter of the male screw portion 62b is formed on the other end side of the male screw portion 62b.

  Further, a swing restricting hole 62d for restricting the swing range of the start lever 61 is formed on one end side in the axial direction on the inner peripheral portion of the support member 62, and an outer ring is provided on the other end side of the swing restricting hole 62d. 62e is formed, and a large-diameter hole 62f is formed on the other end side of the outer ring 62e.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the swing restricting hole 62 d has an opening end on one end side thereof that comes into contact with the cushion rubber 61 g of the large-diameter portion 61 d of the swinging start lever 61, thereby The swing angle is restricted to a predetermined range.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the outer ring 62e has an outer ring bearing surface 62g formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof. The outer ring bearing surface 62g is formed in a spherical shape that gradually increases in diameter toward the swing restricting hole 62d, and can be engaged with the inner ring bearing surface 61h of the inner ring 61i inserted from the swing restricting hole 62d side. In addition, the inner ring bearing surface 61h is engaged so as to slide smoothly. That is, the inner ring 61i and the outer ring 62e constitute a spherical plain bearing.

  When the start lever 61 swings within the range restricted by the swing restricting hole 62d, the large diameter hole 62f is provided with an enlarged diameter flange sleeve 61j provided on the other end side of the start lever 61, and a reduced diameter rod. The inner diameter is set so as not to contact the attached sleeve 61n, the permanent magnet 63a, and the like.

  The sensor unit 63 includes a permanent magnet (magnetic field generating unit) 63a provided on the start lever 61 side and a coil (inductive electromotive force generating unit) 63b made of a conductive wire provided on the support member 62 side.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the permanent magnet 63a has a main body portion 63c formed in a regular hexagonal column shape, and a male screw protruding from an axial center portion of one end surface of the main body portion 63c and screwing into a screw hole 61m of the small diameter portion 61f. It is integrally formed with the part 63d. The main body 63c can be wrenched on the outer periphery of the regular hexagonal column, and the diameter of the inscribed circle of the regular hexagon in the cross section is larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter part 61f. . For this reason, the main body portion 63c can be tightened with a spanner by screwing the male screw portion 63d into the screw hole 61m, and the one end face allows the reduced diameter flanged sleeve 61n to move from the small diameter portion 61f to the other end side. It is designed to prevent it from falling off. Further, the other end surface of the main body portion 63c is formed to have a spherical shape centered on the center point C in a state where the main body portion 63c is connected to the small diameter portion 61f. In the permanent magnet 63a, one end side of the main body 63c is magnetized to the S pole and the other end side is magnetized to the N pole (note that the one end side is magnetized to the N pole and the other end side is magnetized to the S pole. May be good).

  The coil 63b is configured by winding a conducting wire around a bobbin (not shown) in a cylindrical shape, and the inside diameter of the conducting wire portion is slightly larger than the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the regular hexagonal cross section of the permanent magnet 63a. It has become a big thing. The coil 63b may be constituted by a bobbinless one. The coil 63b configured in this way will be described later so that the coil 63b is positioned coaxially with the start lever 61 in the neutral position before the swinging operation, and one end thereof is positioned close to the other end surface of the permanent magnet 63a. It is attached to the cover 63e. Thus, before the start lever 61 is swung, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 63a efficiently penetrates the coil 63b and the start lever 61 is swung. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, the magnetic field penetrating the coil 63b varies greatly. That is, the coil 63b is disposed at a position that is greatly influenced by the magnetic field from the permanent magnet 63a, and receives an induced electromotive force ei (refer to FIG. 9 for a reference) due to a large change in the magnetic field accompanying the swinging operation of the start lever 61. It is provided at a position where it is efficiently generated. In the figure, the state of the magnetic field is indicated by magnetic lines of force H.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the cover 63 e is formed in a cylindrical shape that fits to the outer peripheral surface of the cover attachment portion 62 c in the support member 62. The cover 63e is configured such that a locking projection 63f formed on the inner peripheral surface on one end side thereof engages with a locking recess 62h formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover mounting portion 62c. It is connected to 62c.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the comparator 64 is a predetermined signal that can be a game start signal when the induced electromotive force ei (see FIG. 9 for the sign) generated in the coil 63b reaches a predetermined voltage. The operational amplifier generates a level voltage signal eo. In this example, as shown in FIG. 8, a full-wave rectifier 64a is provided so that the current generated from the coil 63b is always in a constant direction, and is rectified by the full-wave rectifier 64a. The induced electromotive force ei of the later coil 63b is input to the comparator 64.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the induced electromotive force ei reaches the reference voltage E2, the comparator 64 outputs a voltage signal eo that has almost reached the power supply voltage E1 of, for example, 5 V, which is the maximum voltage that can be amplified as an operational amplifier. It is supposed to be. Based on the voltage signal eo, the reels 3L, 3R, and 3C start to rotate. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 64b denotes a capacitor for suppressing voltage pulsation. And the game start signal generation means provided with the comparator 64, the full wave rectifier 64a, and the capacitor | condenser 64b may be provided in the cover 63e, and may be provided in the accommodating part of the main control circuit 71 mentioned later.

  In addition, the game start device 6 configured as described above inserts the male screw portion 62b of the support member 62 into a through hole formed in the front portion of the cabinet 2, and the nut is inserted into the male screw portion 63d from the inside of the cabinet 2. By screwing and tightening (not shown), it is firmly attached to the front portion of the cabinet 2.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the operation of the slot machine 1 is controlled by a main control circuit 71 as a game execution means provided on the main board and a sub control circuit 72 provided on the sub board. The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are main board side storage means.

  Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. The random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range. The sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 61 is swung. The CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination based on the random numbers sampled by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32.

  As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 30 include various lamps (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c, medal insertion lamp 18, game start display lamp. 19, the replay lamp 20), the display unit 17, the above-mentioned hopper (including a driving unit for paying out) 40 for storing medals and paying out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper driving circuit 41, and a reel 3L There are stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R that rotationally drive 3C and 3R.

  Furthermore, a motor drive circuit 39 that drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, a hopper drive circuit 41 that drives and controls the hopper 40, a lamp drive circuit 45 that drives and controls various lamps, and a display unit that drives and controls the display unit 17. A drive circuit 48 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31, and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main control circuit 71 is connected to input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for generating a control command. The main input signal generating means includes a comparator 64, a 1-BET switch 11S, a maximum BET switch 12S, a C / P switch 14S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position detection circuit 47, and a payout completion signal circuit 44. These are also connected to the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38.

  The comparator 64 outputs a voltage signal eo for starting the game as the start lever 61 is swung. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in accordance with the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 47 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 44 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71. For example, the game state being executed, the number of inserted medals, and the like are stored. On the other hand, the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 has a probability lottery table used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 61 is swung (start operation), and a reel stop mode according to the operation of the stop button. Various data tables such as a stop table group for determination, various control commands (commands) for transmission to the sub control circuit 72, and the like are stored.

  The main control circuit 71 is connected to the sub control circuit 72 so that commands, information, and the like can be output in one direction. As shown in FIG. 11, the sub-control circuit 72 controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the control command (command) from the main control circuit 71, and the sound from the speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B and the lighting device 29a. , 29b, 29c, and light output control from the waist panel 29d. The sub-control circuit 72 is configured on a sub-board different from the main board constituting the main control circuit 71 and includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “sub-microcomputer”) 73 as a main component, and the liquid crystal display device 5 and Image control circuit 81 as display control means of reel image display panels 41L, 41C, and 41R in pseudo reels 4R, 4C, and 4L, sound source IC 78 that controls sound output from speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B, and power as an amplifier The amplifier 79, the lighting devices 29a, 29b, and 29c, the LED drive circuit 77 that drives the waist panel 29d, and the vibration source control circuit 84 that drives the vibrator 13 are provided.

  The sub microcomputer 73 includes a sub CPU 74 that performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71, a program ROM 75 serving as a sub board-side storage unit, and a work RAM 76. The sub control circuit 72 does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the sub CPU 74. The program ROM 75 stores an effect pattern table executed by the sub CPU 74, a control program such as a pseudo reel effect processing routine, and the like. The work RAM 76 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the control program is executed by the sub CPU 74.

  The image control circuit 81 includes an image control IC 82, an image control work RAM 83, an image ROM 86, and a video RAM 87. The image control IC 82 determines the display contents on the liquid crystal display device 5 according to the image control program based on the parameters set by the sub microcomputer 73. The image control work RAM 83 is configured as temporary storage means (buffer) when the image control program is executed by the image control IC 82. The image ROM 86 stores dot data for forming an image. The video RAM 87 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control IC 82 forms an image.

  The sub CPU 74 controls the lighting, extinguishing, blinking, and the like of the lighting devices 29a, 29b, and 29c and the waist panel 29d by driving the LED driving circuit 77. The sub CPU 74 controls the sound source IC 78 and the power amplifier 79 to control sound output from the speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B. In particular, the sub CPU 74 as sensory stimulus control means outputs sound effects from the speakers 21L, 21R, and 21B with a volume that is proportional to the fluctuation display speed of the reel image.

  Further, the sub CPU 74 controls the liquid crystal display device 5 to control lighting, extinguishing, blinking, and the like of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b. In particular, the sub CPU 74 as sensory stimulus control means controls the display mode of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b at a blinking speed proportional to the fluctuation display speed of the reel image. Further, the sub CPU 74 as sensory stimulus control means controls the vibration generated from the vibrator 13 by controlling the vibration source control circuit 84.

  In the slot machine 1 configured as described above, the sensor unit 63 includes a permanent magnet 63a provided on the start lever 61 and a coil 63b provided on the support member 62, and the coil 63b is connected to the permanent magnet 63a. Since the induced electromotive force ei is generated by the change of the magnetic field passing through the coil 63b accompanying the swing of the start lever 61, the induced electromotive force ei is generated. It can be detected that the lever 61 is swung.

  Further, in this example, since the game start device 6 is disposed in the vicinity of the liquid crystal display device 5, the illumination device 29c, and the waist panel 29d, the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b leaks from the cover or the like. There is a possibility that light or light leaked from the illumination device 29 c and the waist panel 29 d may enter the sensor unit 63. In addition, since the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b does not have a cover for covering the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b, the light enters the sensor unit 63 almost certainly. However, the induced electromotive force ei generated in the coil 63b is not affected at all by the light described above. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent malfunctions in the game starting device 6 due to external light such as the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b.

  In addition, the induced electromotive force ei can be reliably generated by the swinging operation of the start lever 61 even if the accuracy of the shape and installation position of the permanent magnet 63a and the coil 63b is not high. Therefore, since it is not necessary to use advanced technology when manufacturing or assembling the permanent magnet 63a and the coil 63b, the production efficiency can be improved and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, the cover 63e is provided to install the coil 63b at a predetermined position, but is formed so as to cover the periphery of the sensor unit 63 including the permanent magnet 63a and the coil 63b. For example, the permanent magnet 63a and the coil 63b are protected. However, since the light from the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b and the like is not intended to prevent the light from entering the sensor unit 63 but is simply formed in a cylindrical shape, even if the coil 63b emits heat. Even if it does, the said heat does not remain in the cover 63e. That is, the life of the coil 63b and the like is not shortened by the heat trapped in the cover 63e. In addition, since the boots shown in the conventional example are not necessary, the number of parts and the cost can be reduced. The coil 63b generates almost no Joule heat because the induced electromotive force ei is generated by the movement of the permanent magnet 63a.

  Further, since the induced electromotive force ei is generated by using the swinging operation of the start lever 61, it is not necessary to supply power to obtain the induced electromotive force ei. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced. In addition, since the sensor unit 63 is configured with an extremely simple structure including the permanent magnet 63a and the coil 63b, the cost can be reduced, the failure rate can be reduced, and the load can be reduced. It has sufficient durability against vibration caused by the vibrator 13 and does not break down.

  Further, the game start device 6 includes a comparator 64 that generates a voltage signal eo of a predetermined level that becomes a game start signal when the induced electromotive force ei reaches a predetermined voltage. There is an advantage that it can be used as it is as a game start signal.

(First modification of the present embodiment)
The game start device 6 in the above embodiment is configured as a coil 63b that does not have an iron core inside, but as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the coil 63b has a large relative magnetic inductivity on the inner peripheral surface. You may comprise by the thing of the structure which fitted 63g of cylindrical iron cores (magnetic body) comprised with the material.

  In such a configuration, the magnetic field lines H of the permanent magnet 63a are efficiently guided into the iron core 63g. Therefore, to the extent that the start lever 61 swings somewhat, as shown in FIG. 13, most of the lines of magnetic force H generated from the N pole of the permanent magnet 63a are guided into the iron core 63g, and the magnetic field passing through the coil 63b. Is hardly changed, the induced electromotive force ei is not generated in the coil 63b. That is, the insensitive swinging region can be provided in the start lever 61. Therefore, the game can be prevented from starting to the extent that the start lever 61 is swung by touching the player or receiving vibration from the vibrator 13. However, when the start lever 61 is sufficiently swung, as shown in FIG. 14, the amount of the magnetic field line H guided to the iron core 63g changes greatly, so that the induced electromotive force ei can be generated in the coil 63b. .

  The insensitive swinging region of the start lever 61 can also be adjusted by adjusting the reference voltage E2 described above.

(Second modification of the present embodiment)
In addition, the game start device 6 in the above embodiment is configured such that when the start lever 61 is in the neutral position, the axis line between the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet 63a and the axis line of the coil 63b are coaxial. For example, as shown schematically in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the start lever 61 is in a neutral state, the axis of the permanent magnet 63a between the magnetic pole direction and the axis of the coil 63b are parallel to each other. You may comprise so that it may become. The coil 63b is preferably provided so as to be close to the permanent magnet 63a.

  In this case, the other end portion of the lever main body 61a is supported by the support member 62 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction, and the support member 62 is attached to the cabinet 2 as in the above-described embodiment. The lever body 61a is made of a nonmagnetic material such as brass. The permanent magnet 63a is embedded in the lever main body 61a and is provided so as to be flush with the outer peripheral surface of the lever main body 61a. The direction between the magnetic poles is parallel to the axial direction of the lever main body 61a. It has become. The coil 63b is attached to the support member 62 side.

  Further, the start lever 61 is prevented from swinging upward from the neutral state by a stopper (not shown), and the downward swing is predetermined by a stopper 65a corresponding to the swing restriction hole 62d described above. It is regulated to be in range. The start lever 61 is configured to automatically return to the neutral position by a coil spring (elastic member) 65b.

  In the game start device 6 configured as described above, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the start lever 61 is in a neutral state, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 63a passes through the coil 63b and the start lever 61 is moved downward. Since the magnetic field passing through the inside of the coil 63b changes when it is swung to, the induced electromotive force ei can be generated in the coil 63b.

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, the example in which the permanent magnet 63a is used as the magnetic field generation unit and the coil 63b is used as the induced electromotive force generation unit has been described. However, an electromagnet other than the permanent magnet 63a is used as the magnetic field generation unit. A member capable of generating an induced electromotive force by a change in a magnetic field other than the coil 63b may be used as the induced electromotive force generating unit using another member.

  Moreover, although the example which provided the magnetic field generation | occurrence | production part as the permanent magnet 63a in the start lever 61 side and the induced electromotive force generation | occurrence | production part as the coil 63b in the support member 62 side was shown, the magnetic field generation part was shown in the support member 62 side. The induced electromotive force generator may be provided on the start lever 61 side.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine shown as one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the liquid crystal display device in the slot machine. It is a perspective view which shows the pseudo reel in the slot machine. It is a perspective view which shows the liquid crystal display device in the slot machine. It is sectional drawing which shows the game start apparatus in the slot machine. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the game start apparatus in the slot machine. It is a figure which shows the game start apparatus in the slot machine, Comprising: It is sectional drawing which shows the state after rocking | fluctuating a start lever. It is a circuit diagram provided with the comparator of the game start apparatus in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing explaining the voltage signal output from the comparator of the game start apparatus in the slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the main control circuit in the slot machine. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sub control circuit in the slot machine. FIG. It is sectional drawing shown as the 1st modification of the game start apparatus in the slot machine. It is the figure shown as the 1st modification of the game start apparatus in the slot machine, Comprising: It is sectional drawing which shows that there is almost no change in the quantity of the magnetic force line which passes through the inside of a coil, even if a start lever is rock | fluctuated somewhat. It is the figure shown as the 1st modification of the game start device in the same slot machine, Comprising: When the start lever is swung greatly, it is the sectional view which shows the quantity of the line of magnetic force which passes inside the coil changes . It is the figure shown as the 2nd modification of the game start apparatus in the slot machine, Comprising: It is a front view which shows the neutral state before operating a start lever. It is the figure shown as the 2nd modification of the game start apparatus in the slot machine, Comprising: It is a front view which shows the state after rocking | fluctuating a start lever.

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine (game machine)
2 Cabinet (housing)
5 Liquid crystal display (image display means)
5a Image display surface 6 Game start device (game start means)
29a, 29b, 29c Lighting device 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b Fluorescent lamp (backlight)
61 Start lever (lever part)
62 Support member (support part)
63 Sensor part 63a Permanent magnet (magnetic field generation part)
63b Coil (Inductive electromotive force generator)
64 comparator (comparison circuit)
ei induced electromotive force eo voltage signal

Claims (3)

The image display means includes an image display means having a backlight arranged in front of the casing, and an electric decoration device having a plurality of light sources positioned in front of the casing, and the image display means or the electric decoration device A gaming machine having a game starting means arranged in the vicinity,
The game start means protrudes outward from the housing and performs a swing operation for starting a game, a support portion for swingably supporting the lever portion, and a game start located in the housing A sensor unit for detecting that the lever unit is swung to obtain a signal of
The sensor unit includes a magnetic field generation unit provided on one side of the lever unit and the support unit, and an induced electromotive force generation unit provided on the other side,
The induced electromotive force generating unit is disposed at a position affected by the magnetic field from the magnetic field generating unit, and generates an induced electromotive force due to a change in the magnetic field from the magnetic field generating unit accompanying a swinging operation of the lever unit. A gaming machine characterized by that. The magnetic field generator is composed of a permanent magnet,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the induced electromotive force generation unit is configured by a coil made of a conductive wire.   The game start means includes a comparison circuit that generates a voltage signal of a predetermined level that can be a signal for starting the game when the induced electromotive force generated by the induced electromotive force generation unit reaches a predetermined voltage. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

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