JP2011115202A - Button switch device for game machine and game machine equipped with button switch device for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a button switch device for a game having durability against extreme pushing down force by a player in which the button switch device can be controlled in a vertical movement between a position slightly projecting relative to a game machine body and a position largely projecting relative to the same according to the content of the performance with the progress of a game, and a game machine equipped with the button switch for the game. <P>SOLUTION: The tooth shape part of a clutch receiver 520 does not mesh and the rotating force of the clutch receiver 520 is not transmitted to a crank gear 512 by the teeth shape part 520A of the clutch receiver 520 moving in the meshing face of the teeth shape part 512A of the crank gear 512 along the rotating direction of the clutch receiver 520, when the rotating power of the clutch receiver 520 which rotates along with a crank arm 203 when the crank arm turning by the pushing down force generated by the pushing down operation from an operator exceeds a biasing force by which a spring for a clutch biases the clutch receiver 520. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a button switch device for a gaming machine that can be used for various effects in a gaming machine and a gaming machine including the button switch device for a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, in a button switch device for gaming machines, the purpose is to give an impact to the player, and occasionally the button switch is moved to a position where it protrudes greatly from the main body of the gaming machine using an elastic member such as a spring, A configuration is known that allows pressing at a protruding position.

  For example, a push button switch for gaming machines (hereinafter referred to as “button switch”) in Patent Document 1 is greatly reduced by pressing down the button switch when the button switch is in a position that largely protrudes from the gaming machine body. The internal mechanism of the button switch is engaged with the engaging means inside the gaming machine, and the button switch can be returned to the slightly protruding position.

JP 2007-296090 A

However, in the button switch shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, although it is possible to give an impact to the player by occasionally projecting the button switch slightly, the button switch is slightly lifted from the position where the button switch is largely projected with respect to the gaming machine main body. When returning to the protruding position, it is necessary for the player to push down the button switch.
For this reason, if the player does not perform the push-down operation of the button switch, the game proceeds with the button switch projecting greatly. Therefore, when the button switch is made to protrude according to the content of the effect accompanying the progress of the game, the button switch remains in the protruded state despite the change of the effect content, There was a problem in that there was a discrepancy in production.

  In addition, in recent years, an effect that prompts the user to press the button as much as possible within a predetermined time, that is, a so-called “button repeated hit”, has been frequently adopted. The tendency to do is strong. Therefore, a button switch that can withstand repeated hitting of a button by such a player is desired.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention is a game in which vertical movement control between a slightly protruding position and a largely protruding position with respect to the gaming machine main body is possible according to the contents of the effects accompanying the progress of the game. Regarding a button switch device for a machine, a button switch device for a gaming machine having durability against an excessive pressing force (pressing force) by an operation manual (player) and a gaming machine equipped with the button switch device for the gaming machine The purpose is to provide.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a button switch device for a gaming machine, and is provided in the gaming machine, wherein the button main body protrudes greatly from the first height position and the first height position. A button switch device for a gaming machine that is capable of movement control with respect to the second height position and that can be pressed by an operator, and that has a pressing surface that can be pressed; A gear that includes at least a driven gear that is rotated by a driving force from a driving source, a driven gear that is rotated by the rotation of the driving gear, and a hole that is disposed at a lower portion of the button body and extends horizontally. The formed long hole portion, one end engaged with the driven gear included in the gear mechanism and the other end engaged with the driven gear included in the gear mechanism, and one end engaged with the driven arm. Engagement engaged with gear The driven gear is rotatably passed through a crank arm shaft fixed to the other end of the crank arm, and has a serrated portion in the rotational axis direction of the driven gear, The engagement mechanism is slidably passed on the crank arm shaft, and is fixed in the rotational direction of the crank arm, and is opposed to the saw-tooth portion and is engaged with the saw-tooth portion. And a sawtooth gear that slides on the crank arm shaft by a predetermined biasing force generated by biasing the sawtooth gear toward the sawtooth portion. And when the driven gear is rotated by the driving force from the drive source, the saw-tooth gear biased by the biasing portion meshes with the driven gear. The state is maintained, and the driving force from the driving source is the driven When transmitted to the crank arm via a vehicle, one end of the crank arm rotates in an arc shape around the other end in accordance with the rotational drive of the driven gear, while looking inside the elongated hole portion The one end moves horizontally in the slot to move the button body upward toward the second height position, or the button body toward the first height position. When the pressing force generated by the operator's pressing operation is transmitted to the crank arm via the button body, the crank arm moves in a pressing direction to lower the button body. The state where the saw-toothed gear biased by the predetermined biasing force is engaged with the saw-toothed portion is released by the rotational force about to rotate in an arc shape around the other end, and the saw-toothed gear is released. Each saw blade is In addition, there is an inclination (β) at least in the reverse rotation direction opposite to the rotation direction rotated by the rotational force, and the degree of the inclination (β) is compared with the inclination (α) on the rotation direction side. It is characterized by being set small.

  According to claim 1, each saw tooth of the sawtooth gear has an inclination (β) at least in a reverse rotation direction side opposite to the rotation direction rotated by the rotational force, and the inclination (β). Is set smaller than the inclination (α) on the rotation direction side. In other words, each saw tooth of the serrated gear has an inclination (α) in a rotation direction that rotates at least by the rotational force, and the degree of the inclination (α) is an inclination (β) on the reverse rotation direction side. It is set to be larger than that. Accordingly, it is possible to make it difficult for the saw-tooth gear in the meshed state to the saw-toothed portion to be released to the non-meshed state.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the button switch device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein each saw tooth of the saw tooth portion has an inclination (β) at least in a rotational direction side of the saw tooth gear. And the degree of the inclination (β) is set smaller than the inclination (α) on the reverse rotation direction side.

  A third aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine, comprising the button switch device for a gaming machine according to any one of the first and second aspects.

The “sawtooth portion” and the “sawtooth gear” have a sawtooth, but preferably both have a plurality of sawtooth (at least one of them has a plurality of sawtooth. ) If one (eg “saw tooth”) has a plurality of saw teeth and the other (eg “saw tooth gear”) also has a plurality of saw teeth, one of the saw tooth gears When sawing about the saw blade, the saw blade has a plurality of saw blades in the sawtooth portion.
[Gearing state → Non-meshing state → Gothing state → ・ ・ ・ → Non-meshing state →
When switching from the meshing state to the non-meshing state or switching from the non-meshing state to the non-meshing state when switching between the meshing state and the non-meshing state with the rotation of the serrated gear It is to do. That is, even when the sawtooth gear rotates in small increments, the meshing state with the sawtooth portion is released, so that the load on the gear mechanism due to excessive pressing force can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, when the pressing force when the button body is pressed down to the gear mechanism that controls the vertical movement drive of the button body via the crank arm, the driven gear and the crank arm are engaged by the engagement mechanism. Is disengaged. Each saw tooth of the saw tooth gear has an inclination (α) in the rotational direction of the saw tooth gear, so that when the excessive pressing force is applied to the button body, the saw tooth portion is meshed. It becomes easy to cancel the serrated gear in the non-engaged state. This inclination (α) is larger than the inclination (β) on the direction side opposite to the rotation direction (reverse rotation direction side). For this reason, it is difficult for the sawtooth gear in the meshed state to the sawtooth portion to be released to the non-engaged state. That is, when the button main body is in the position where it protrudes greatly, even if there is repeated hitting on the button main body, it is possible to maintain the state where the button main body is in the position protruding largely. Therefore, it is possible to provide a button switch device for a gaming machine having durability against an excessive pressing force.

It is a perspective view which shows the open state of the permeation | transmission member holding frame of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the closed state of the permeation | transmission member holding frame of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the game board concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control means of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the whole chance button apparatus in the state which protruded slightly. It is a perspective view of the whole chance button apparatus when it exists in the state protruded greatly. It is a disassembled perspective view of the button part of a chance button apparatus. It is a figure explaining the member which operate | moves when pressing force is applied to the button main body. It is sectional drawing explaining the member shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the drive part of a chance button apparatus. It is a figure explaining the various gears etc. of a drive part. It is a figure explaining the state of the various gears of a drive part when a button part exists in the lowest part. It is a perspective view explaining the state of the various gears shown in FIG. It is a perspective view explaining the state of various gears when a button part starts operation from the lowest part. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the crank when a drive part act | operates. It is a figure explaining the state of the various gears of a drive part when it exists just before a button part reaches | attains the uppermost part. It is a figure explaining the state of the various gears of a drive part when a button part exists in the uppermost part. It is a figure explaining the state of various gears when a button part starts operation from the uppermost part. It is a figure which shows a mode when it exists in the state (lock state) which the movement lock gear and the gear lock meshed. It is a figure which shows a mode when it exists in the state (non-locking state) where the movement lock gear and the gear lock are not meshing. It is a figure explaining the pressing stroke (pressing allowable distance) when a button part exists in the lowest part. It is a figure explaining the pressing stroke (pressing allowable distance) when a button part exists in the uppermost part. It is a figure explaining the state of a clutch receiver when a button part exists in the uppermost part. It is a figure explaining the state of a clutch receiver when the pressing force which exceeds a pressing stroke acts when a button part exists in the uppermost part. It is an enlarged view (1) explaining a crank gear, a clutch receiver, etc. in modification 1. It is an enlarged view (2) explaining a crank gear, a clutch receiver, etc. in modification 1. It is a figure (1) explaining the tooth-type part of a crank gear in the modification 1, and the tooth-type part of a clutch receiver. It is a figure (2) explaining the tooth-type part of a crank gear in the modification 1, and the tooth-type part of a clutch receiver.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a support body 2 and a door body 3 pivotally supported by the support body 2. The support 2 is composed of a frame that forms four sides by an upper plate 2a, a lower plate 2b, and side plates 2c and 2d. Each of the plates 2a to 2d is made of a material such as wood that is not easily deformed or distorted, and is connected by a connecting metal fitting so that an enclosed space is formed in a substantially rectangular shape.
Among these connecting metal fittings, a pair of hinges 4a and 4b project to the front side of the gaming machine 1 in the metal fitting connecting the upper plate 2a and the side plate 2c and the metal fitting connecting the side plate 2c and the lower plate 2b. It is fixed so that it may face at the position.

  The door 3 is pivotally supported by the pair of hinges 4a and 4b. The door body 3 can be opened and closed with respect to the support body 2. In the present embodiment, the door body 3 is constituted by the transmission member holding frame 5 and the game board holding frame 6. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the transmission member holding frame 5 is opened with respect to the support 2 and the game board holding frame 6 is closed with respect to the support 2. The transmission member holding frame 5 and the game board holding frame 6 are partly or entirely brought into contact with the front surface of the support 2 so that the support 2, the transmission member holding frame 5 and the game board holding frame 6 are substantially parallel. From the closed position, the back surface rotates to the open position separated from the front surface of the support 2.

  Like the support body 2, the transmission member holding frame 5 is composed of a frame body in which a substantially rectangular enclosed space is formed by four sides including an upper side 5a, a lower side 5b, and side sides 5c and 5d. A transparent member 7 covering the front surface is fixed in the surrounding space. In the present embodiment, the transparent member 7 is made of a transparent glass plate, but any material or shape can be used as long as a game board 17 (to be described later) can be seen through the transparent member 7. You may comprise with a synthetic resin etc. The material of the transmissive member holding frame 5 is not particularly limited, but is preferably made of a synthetic resin for the purpose of reducing the weight and improving the decorativeness. In this case, in particular, the reinforcing metal fitting 8 is fixed to prevent distortion or deformation. It is good to prevent.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the front surface of the gaming machine 1, that is, on the front surface of the transmissive member holding frame 5, there is a decorative lamp 9, an operation handle 10 for launching a game ball, and an upper plate for collecting paid-out prize balls. An upper plate unit 11 having a 11a and a decorative member 12 are fixed.

  When there is a remaining number of cards (prepaid cards) inserted in a card unit (CR unit) (not shown) in addition to the upper plate 11a, the upper plate unit 11 pays out a game ball from the card unit to the gaming machine. A payout button 11b that functions as an input means, a return button 11c for returning a card inserted into the card unit, a frequency indicator 11d that displays the remaining frequency of the card inserted into the card unit, and a chance A button device 100 and a chance button storage portion 11e for storing the chance button device 100 are provided.

Further, the decorative member 12 is fixed so as to completely cover a speaker 18 (not shown) provided therein, but this decorative member 12 has a sound release hole for emitting sound from the speaker 18 to the outside of the gaming machine. Does not have. That is, since the speaker 18 is completely covered with the decorative member 12, the speaker 18 cannot be visually recognized from the outside of the gaming machine. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a control board 54 (lamp) for controlling the reinforcing metal fitting 8, the supply path 13 for sending a prize ball to the upper plate 11a, a motor for changing the irradiation direction of the decorative lamp 9, and the like. A control board 54) is provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1.
As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper side 5a and the lower side 5b of the transmission member holding frame 5 are equal in length to the upper plate 2a and the lower plate 2b of the support 2, and the transmission member holding frame 5 When the support 2 and the transmissive member holding frame 5 are substantially parallel (when the transmissive member holding frame 5 is in the closed position), the upper side 5a is the upper plate 2a, and the side sides 5c and 5d are the side plates. The outer peripheral surfaces of 2c and 2d overlap with each other. Therefore, when the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front, the upper plate 2a and the side plates 2c and 2d of the support 2 are covered with the transmissive member holding frame 5 and cannot be seen. However, the side edges 5 c and 5 d are formed shorter than the side plates 2 c and 2 d, and the lower plate 2 b of the support 2 is exposed to the front side of the gaming machine 1. The lower plate 2b of the support 2 is formed thicker than the upper plate 2a and the side plates 2c and 2d, and a decorative member 15 is fixed to the front side thereof.

  The transmitting member holding frame 5 is fixed with a pivot shaft 16a projecting above the side 5c and a pivot shaft 16b projecting below the side 5c. The pivot shaft 16a is fixed to the hinge 4a. The pivot shaft 16b is pivotally supported by the hinge 4b. Thereby, the transmissive member holding frame 5 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the support 2. The structure for pivotally supporting the transmission member holding frame 5 on the support 2 is not limited to the above, and for example, a part of the side 5c of the transmission member holding frame 5 is formed in a convex shape, and this convex portion is formed. May be directly fitted to the hinges 4a, 4b and the support 2 to be pivotally supported.

Similarly to the transmission member holding frame 5, a game board holding frame 6 is rotatably supported on the hinges 4a and 4b. As shown in FIG. 1, the game board holding frame 6 is composed of a frame in which a substantially rectangular enclosure space is formed by four sides including an upper side 6a, a lower side 6b, a left side 6c, and a right side 6d. Game board stoppers 60a and 60b are provided on the left side 6c of FIG. 6, and game board fixtures 60c and 60d are provided near the right side 6d of the upper side 6a and the lower side 6b, respectively. Then, the game board 17 shown in FIG. 3 is fixed in the surrounding space by the game board stoppers 60a and 60b and the game board fixtures 60c and 60d.
The front surface of the game board 17 is provided with a plurality of nails, windmills, various winning holes through which game balls can enter, and an effect for production, etc. The liquid crystal display device 30 is fixed. In a state where the transmissive member holding frame 5 and the game board holding frame 6 are closed and the game is possible, the transmissive member 7 faces the game board 17 substantially in parallel with a predetermined interval, and the front surface of the game board 17 is Covered by the transmissive member 7.

  Here, various winning holes, winnings and the like provided on the game board 17 will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the operation handle 10 is rotatably provided at a lower position of the game board 17. When the player touches the operation handle 10, the touch sensor 10a (see FIG. 4) in the operation handle 10 detects that the player has touched the operation handle 10, and the firing control board 56 (see FIG. 4) is detected. Send a touch signal. When receiving a touch signal from the touch sensor 10a, the firing control board 56 permits energization of the firing solenoid 10c (see FIG. 4). When the rotation angle of the operation handle 10 is changed, the gear directly connected to the operation handle 10 rotates, and the knob of the firing volume 10b connected to the gear rotates. A voltage corresponding to the detected angle of the firing volume 10b is applied to a launching solenoid 10c provided in the game ball launching mechanism. When a voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 10c, the firing solenoid 10c operates according to the applied voltage, and has a strength according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 10 toward the game area 22 with a game ball. Is fired.

The game ball fired as described above rises between the rails 21 a and 21 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 17, and then falls within the game area 22. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably due to a plurality of nails (not shown) and the windmill 23 provided in the game area 22.
The game area 22 is provided with a plurality of general winning ports 24. Each of these general winning ports 24 is provided with a general winning port detection SW 24a, and when this general winning port detection SW 24a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 10 game balls) is paid out. It is. In the present embodiment, the switch is denoted as “SW” as necessary.

  Further, a normal symbol gate 27 is provided in the game area 22 above the special winning opening 28 described later so as to pass the game ball. The normal symbol gate 33 is provided with a gate detection SW 27a for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection SW 27a detects the passage of the game ball, the normal symbol lottery described later is performed.

Further, a lower start position of the game area 22 is provided with a first start port 25 through which a game ball can enter, similarly to the general winning port 24. A second start port 26 is provided directly below the first start port 25. As shown in FIG. 3, the second starting port 26 has a pair of movable pieces 26b. The first mode in which the pair of movable pieces 26b is maintained in a closed state, and the pair of movable pieces 26b It is controlled to move to the second mode that is in the open state (FIG. 3 shows a state that is controlled to move to this second mode). When the second start port 26 is controlled in the first mode, the first start port 25 located immediately above the second start port 26 becomes an obstacle and does not accept the game ball. It is possible or difficult. On the other hand, when the second starting port 26 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 26b function as a receiving tray, so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 26. That is, when the second start port 26 is in the first mode, there is almost no opportunity for entering a game ball, and when the second start port 26 is in the second mode, the opportunity for entering a game ball is increased.
The first start port 25 and the second start port 26 are provided with a first start port detection SW 25a and a second start port detection SW 26a for detecting the entrance of a game ball, respectively. When the entry of a ball is detected, a lottery for acquiring a right to execute a jackpot game, which will be described later (hereinafter referred to as a “hit lottery”), is performed. Also, when the detection SWs 25a and 26a detect the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 3 game balls) is paid out.

As shown in FIG. 2, a special winning opening 28 is provided further below the normal symbol gate 27. The special winning opening 28 is normally kept closed by the special winning opening / closing door 28b, so that it is impossible to enter a game ball. On the other hand, when a special game, which will be described later, is started, the special prize opening / closing door 28b is opened, and the special prize opening / closing door 28b functions as a tray for guiding the game ball into the special winning opening 28, A game ball can enter the big prize opening 28. The special winning opening 28 is provided with a special winning opening detection SW 28a, and when this special winning opening detection SW 28a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 game balls) is paid out. . The big prize opening 28, the big prize opening detection SW 28a, the big prize opening opening / closing door 28b, and the big prize opening opening / closing solenoid 28c, which will be described later, are also collectively referred to as a big prize opening opening / closing device.
The player does not enter any of the general winning port 24, the first starting port 25, the second starting port 26, and the grand winning port 28 further below the grand winning port 28, that is, at the bottom of the game area 22. A discharge port 29 for discharging the game balls is provided.

In addition, the game board 17 is provided with an effect device for performing various effects.
Specifically, a liquid crystal display device 30 made up of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 22. 31 is provided. Further, an effect lighting device 9 (decorative lamp 9) is provided at both the upper position and the lower position of the game board 17.

  The liquid crystal display device 30 displays an image while the game is not being performed or displays an image according to the progress of the game. In particular, when a game ball enters the first start port 25 or the second start port 26, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result is variably displayed. The decorative symbol is, for example, that three numbers are scroll-displayed, and the scrolling is stopped after a predetermined time, and a specific symbol (number) is displayed in an array. As a result, while the symbols are being scrolled, the player is given an impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the player is notified of the lottery result by the symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, and the like during the decorative display of the decorative symbols, the player is given a high expectation that they may win a jackpot.

  The effect accessory device 31 gives the player a sense of expectation depending on the operation mode. In the present embodiment, the effect accessory device 31 simulates a belt provided with a rotatable windmill member 31a at the center. Depending on the performance, the windmill member rotates or the entire belt descends.

  In the present embodiment, an effect button (chance button) 100 that can be pressed by the player is provided near the upper plate unit 11. This effect button 100 validates, for example, an operation that is pressed when a message for operating the effect button 100 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 30. The effect button 100 is provided with a chance button detection SW 100a. When the chance button detection SW 100a detects the player's operation, a further effect is executed according to the operation.

Below the game area 22, the first special symbol display device 40, the second special symbol display device 41, the normal symbol display device 42, the first hold indicator 43, the second hold indicator 44, the normal symbol hold display 45, a high probability state indicator 46, and a short time state indicator 47 are provided.
The special symbol display devices 40 and 41 are for displaying a lottery result of a jackpot lottery performed on condition that a game ball enters the start ports 25 and 26. In other words, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the lottery lottery result are set, and the special symbol corresponding to the lottery lottery result is stopped and displayed on these special symbol display devices 40 and 41 so that the lottery result can be played. The person is notified. The special symbol display devices 40 and 41 are each composed of, for example, a plurality of LEDs. When a big win is won, a plurality of specific LEDs are lit, and when it is lost, a specific LED corresponding thereto is displayed. One lights up. The pattern represented by lighting up in this way becomes a special symbol, but this special symbol is displayed in a stopped state after being displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time. In other words, whenever a special symbol change display is performed, a special symbol stop display is performed, and the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is notified. Moreover, in this embodiment, the display mode of the special symbols in the first special symbol display device 40 and the second special symbol display device 41 is not the same. That is, even if the same type of jackpot, the display mode of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 40 and the display mode of the special symbol in the second special symbol display device 41 are different. In this case, even if the player learns the display mode of one of the special symbol display devices 40 and 41, the type of jackpot or the like cannot be grasped from the other display mode. The effect that the display mode of a symbol can be obscure is acquired. If a plurality of LEDs are turned on even in the case of a loss, it is also possible to make it difficult to determine whether it is a loss or a big hit.

The normal symbol display device 42 is for notifying the lottery result of the lottery performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 27 as an opportunity. When the winning lottery is won, the left LED in the figure of the normal symbol display device 42 composed of two left and right LEDs is turned on, and then the second start port 26 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time. (In addition, when the right LED in the drawing is lit, it is lost, and the second start port 26 is not controlled to the second mode).
Note that the normal symbol is not notified immediately after the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 27, and the normal symbol display device 42 blinks until a predetermined time elapses. Is displayed in a variable manner. That is, the normal symbol display device 42 blinks until a predetermined time elapses. The blinking of the normal symbol display device 42 constitutes a normal symbol variation display, and the lighting of the normal symbol display device 42 constitutes a normal symbol stop display corresponding to the lottery result of the winning lottery.

By the way, during the special symbol variation display or during the special game in which the big prize opening / closing device operates, even if a game ball enters the start opening 25, 26, the special symbol variation display is immediately performed and the special prize lottery is performed. When the lottery result is not notified, the special symbol change display (notification of the lottery result of the special prize lottery) is suspended under certain conditions. More specifically, the right to display the change of the special symbol in which the game ball enters and is retained at the first start opening 25 is retained as the first hold (U1), and the game ball enters the second start opening 26. The right of variable display of the special symbol reserved is reserved as the second reservation (U2).
For both of these holds, the upper limit reserved number is set to four, and the reserved number is displayed on the first hold indicator 43 and the second hold indicator 44, respectively. When there is one first hold (U1), the LED on the left side of the first hold indicator 43 is lit, and when there are two first holds (U1), the left side of the first hold indicator 43. The two middle LEDs are lit. In addition, when there are three first holds (U1), all three LEDs on the left, middle and right of the first hold indicator 43 are lit, and when there are four first holds (U1), All three LEDs of the 1 hold indicator 43 blink. Further, on the second hold indicator 44, the number of reserved pieces of the second hold (U2) is displayed in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, the upper limit reserved number is similarly set to 4 for the variable symbol display, and the reserved number is the same as that of the first special symbol hold indicator 43 and the second special symbol hold indicator 44. Depending on the mode, it is displayed on the normal symbol hold display 45.
The high-probability state indicator 46 is composed of LEDs, and lights up on the condition that it is in a high-probability state to be described later before the power is turned off during morning (when power is restored). On the other hand, the time-short state indicator 47 is also constituted by an LED, but this is not limited to the time of wake-up but lights up on condition that the time-short state is present if the power is turned on.

  In the game board holding frame 6, below the fixed position of the game board 17, a sound output device 19 (bass speaker 19) and a launch device 20 that launches a game ball into the game area in response to an operation of the operation handle 10. Etc. are fixed. Various control boards for controlling the progress of the game are fixed to the back of the game board 17.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control board (control means) of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 51, an effect control board 52, a payout control board 53, a lamp control board 54, an image control board 55, a launch control board 56, and a power supply board 57.

  The main control board 51 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 51 includes a main CPU 51a, a main ROM 51b, and a main RAM 51c. The main CPU 51a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 51b based on an input signal from each detection SW or timer, performs arithmetic processing, and directly controls each device or display, or determines the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board. The main RAM 51c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 51a.

  On the input side of the main control board 51, a general winning opening detection SW 24a, a gate detection SW 27a, a first starting opening detection SW 25a, a second starting opening detection SW 26a, and a big winning opening detection SW 28a are connected. A detection signal is input to the main control board 51.

  Further, on the output side of the main control board 51, a start opening / closing solenoid 26c for opening / closing the pair of movable pieces 26b of the second start opening 26 and a large winning opening opening / closing solenoid 28c for opening / closing the large winning opening / closing door 28b. Are connected, and the first special symbol display device 40, the second special symbol display device 41, the normal symbol display device 42 that constitute the symbol display device, the first hold indicator 43 that constitutes the hold display device, and the first The 2 hold display 44, the normal symbol hold display 45, and the high probability state display 46 and the short time state display 47 constituting the state display device are connected, and various signals are output through the output port. .

  The main ROM 51b of the main control board 51 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determination for various games. The main RAM 51c of the main control board 51 is provided with a plurality of storage areas.

  Further, the main RAM 51 c constitutes a backup RAM as a nonvolatile storage means that is partly or wholly backed up by a backup power source created in the power supply substrate 57. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the data contents of the main RAM 51c are stored for a predetermined period (until the backup power supply cannot be supplied because the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged). Note that the main RAM 51c may be configured by a flash memory or the like without having a backup power source.

Further, the main control board 51 is directly mounted with a RAM clear switch 51d for instructing to clear the data contents of the main RAM 51c. The main control board 51 is mounted with an RTC (real time clock) 51e that outputs the current time. The main CPU 51a inputs a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 51e, and executes various processes based on the current date and time. The RTC 51e is normally operated by power from the gaming machine when power is supplied to the gaming machine, and by power supplied from a backup power source mounted on the power supply board 57 when the power of the gaming machine is turned off. Operate. Therefore, the RTC 51e can measure the current date and time even when the gaming machine is turned off.
Note that the RTC 51e may be provided with a battery on the main control board 51 and operated by the battery. Alternatively, the RTC 51e is not provided, and the time may be measured by counting up a counter provided in the main RAM 51c having a function as a backup RAM every predetermined time (for example, every 4 ms).

  The power supply board 57 manages the power supplied from the power plug 14 and includes a backup power supply composed of a capacitor. The power supply board 57 monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine, and when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value. The power interruption detection signal is output to the main control board 51 and the effect control board 52. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 51a and the sub CPU 52a become operable, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 51a and sub CPU 52a become inactive state.

  The effect control board 52 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby. The effect control board 52 includes a sub CPU 52a, a sub ROM 52b, and a sub RAM 52c, and is connected to the main control board 51 so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the main control board 51 to the effect control board 52. . The sub CPU 52a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 51b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 51 or an input signal from the chance button detection switch 100a or timer, and performs arithmetic processing. Based on the above, the corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 54 or the image control board 55. The sub RAM 52c functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 52a performs arithmetic processing.

The sub ROM 52b of the effect control board 52 stores a program for effect control, data necessary for determining various games, and a table.
For example, an effect mode determination table (not shown) for determining an effect mode based on a command received from the main control board 51 is stored in the sub ROM 52b.

  The sub RAM 52c of the effect control board 52 is provided with a plurality of storage areas.

The payout control board 53 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The payout control board 53 includes a payout CPU 53a, a payout ROM 53b, and a payout RAM 53c, and is connected to the main control board 51 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The payout CPU 53a reads out the program stored in the payout ROM 53b based on the input signal from the payout ball counting switch 32 and the timer that detects whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. Based on this, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 51. Also, a payout motor 33 (prize ball payout device) for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game ball storage unit to the player is connected to the output side of the payout control board 53. The payout CPU 53a reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM 53b based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 51, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 33 to give a predetermined prize ball to the player. Pay out. At this time, the payout RAM 53c functions as a data work area during the calculation processing of the payout CPU 53a.
Also, it is confirmed whether a game ball lending device (card unit) (not shown) is connected to the payout control board 53, and if the game ball lending device (card unit) is connected, the game control ball 56 is caused to fire a game ball. Send launch control data to allow that.

When the launch control board 56 receives the launch control data from the payout control board 53, the launch control board 56 permits the launch. Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 10a and the input signal from the launch volume 10b are read out, the energization of the launch solenoid 10c is controlled, and the game ball is fired.
Here, the number of pulse voltages applied to the firing solenoid 10c is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 56. As a result, the number of games played in one minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) because one shot is fired each time a pulse voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 10c.
In the present embodiment, the touch sensor signal from the touch sensor 10 a is transmitted from the launch control board 56 to the effect control board 52 via the payout control board 53 and the main control board 51.

  The lamp control board 54 controls the lighting of the effect lighting device 9 (decorative lamp 9) and controls the driving of the motor for changing the light irradiation direction. In addition, energization control is performed on a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the effect accessory device 31. The lamp control board 54 is connected to the effect control board 52, and performs the above-described controls based on data transmitted from the effect control board 52.

  The image control board 55 includes an image CPU, an image ROM, an image RAM, and a VRAM (not shown) for performing image display control of the liquid crystal display device 30, and an audio CPU, an audio ROM, and an audio RAM. The image control board 55 is connected to the effect control board 52 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the liquid crystal display device 30 and the audio output devices 18 and 19 are connected to the output side thereof.

The image ROM stores a large number of image data such as effect symbols and backgrounds displayed on the liquid crystal display device 30, and the image CPU reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 52. Then, predetermined image data is read from the image ROM to the VRAM, and display control in the liquid crystal display device 30 is performed. The image CPU performs various image processing such as background image display processing, effect symbol display processing, and character image display processing on the liquid crystal display device 30, but the background image, effect symbol image, and character image are displayed on the liquid crystal display. The image is superimposed on the display screen of the device 30.
That is, the effect design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

  The audio ROM stores a large number of audio data output from the audio output devices 18 and 19, and the audio CPU reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 52. The audio output devices 18 and 19 perform audio output control.

  Hereinafter, the structure of the chance button device 100 (the button switch device for gaming machines) which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

5 and 6 are perspective views showing the chance button device 100 removed from the upper plate unit 11. FIG.
In the chance button device 100, an upper case 101 and a lower case 102 accommodate a drive unit 200 and a button unit 300 described later. In addition, the chance button device 100 allows the button unit 300 to move up and down by a predetermined trigger. The predetermined opportunity refers to, for example, when a specific lottery result is obtained in the jackpot lottery or when a specific effect is performed on the liquid crystal display device 30. At these times, the button unit 300 is raised / lowered. By moving, the production effect can be further improved.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which the button unit 300 is slightly protruded from the upper case 101. Normally, the button unit 300 is slightly protruded as shown in the figure. For this reason, the player is given only the impression that the button unit 300 is a general push button (the button unit 300 itself does not rise or fall). Note that the height position of the button unit 300 at this time corresponds to the first height position of the present invention.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the button unit 300 is moved upward and the button unit 300 protrudes greatly from the upper case 101. This state is a state in which the button unit 300 protrudes largely upward as compared with the state shown in FIG. 5 (projects upward by a distance S as shown). Thus, by making the button part 300 protrude greatly, a player can be sufficiently appealed in terms of performance. Note that the height position of the button unit 300 at this time corresponds to the second height position of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the button unit 300. The button unit 300 includes a button cover 301 made of a light-transmitting material such as plastic, a button 302 accommodated in the button cover 301, a cylindrical pressing frame 303 having a top portion 303a, and an LED in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged. Substrate 305, protective plate 304 that protects this LED substrate 305, inner cylindrical frame 306 to which the protective plate 304 and LED substrate 305 are fixed, and vertical drive frame that moves the button unit 300 up and down by the power from the drive unit 200 307, a center spring 308 inserted into the cylindrical portion 307A of the vertical drive frame 307, a push holder 309 that pushes up the vertical drive frame and the like by receiving the elastic force of the assist spring 313, and is housed in the push holder 309 and guided by the shaft 314 Act as long When raising the shaft bush 310, the short shaft bush 311 housed in the push holder 309 and functioning as a guide for the shaft 315, the photo sensor 312 for detecting the protrusion 306b provided on the inner cylindrical frame 306, and the button portion 300 Assist spring 313 for applying an urging force to the shaft, shafts 314 and 315, and a shaft fixing plate 316 for fixing the shafts 314 and 315. Note that these members are appropriately fixed by screws, screws, etc., but description of the screws, screws, etc. will be omitted.
Hereinafter, the button cover 301 and the button 302 are referred to as a button body 330.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining members that mainly operate when a pressing force is applied to the button body 330 (when the button body 330 is pressed by a player or the like). FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the member. As shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical pressing frame 303 is fitted with the inner cylindrical frame 306 to form a cylindrical frame 340. The vertical drive frame 307 has a long hole 350 into which the slider 205 is slidably inserted (details will be described later).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the central portion of the inner cylindrical frame 306 is provided with a cavity 306a into which the cylindrical portion 307A of the vertical drive frame 307 is loosely inserted when the cylindrical frame 340 and the vertical drive frame 307 are engaged. It has been. A center spring 308 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 307A from a cylindrical port 307Am, and a shaft cylinder 303b (described later) formed inside the cylindrical pressing frame 303 is also provided so as to be insertable. The cylindrical portion 307A has a cylindrical bottom 307Ab, and the center spring 308 inserted from the cylindrical port 307Am is locked by the cylindrical bottom 307Ab. In other words, the cylindrical bottom 307Ab is provided so that the center spring 308 inserted from the cylindrical port 307Am does not fall off from the cylinder 307Ab side.

  The cylindrical pressing frame 303 has one cylindrical shape closed by a top portion 303a, and a shaft tube 303b is provided on the back side of the top portion 303a (that is, inside the cylinder). When the cylindrical frame 340 is engaged with the vertical drive frame 307, the shaft tube 303b is slidably engaged within the cylindrical portion 307A of the vertical drive frame 307. The diameter of the shaft tube 303b is larger than the diameter of the center spring 308. When the shaft tube 303b slides in the cylindrical portion 307A in the direction of the cylinder bottom 307Ab, the center tube 308 causes the center spring 308 to move. It will be pressed. At this time, the pushing force from the center spring 308 acts on the shaft tube 303b by the elastic force of the pressed center spring 308. That is, when the button body 330 is pressed, the pressing force is transmitted to the center spring 308 from the top portion 303a and the shaft tube 303b of the cylindrical frame 340. The pressed button body 330 is subjected to an urging force (force caused by the reaction of the pressing force) from the center spring 308 that attempts to return to the state before the pressing.

  The inner cylindrical frame 306 is engaged with the vertical drive frame 307 with an interval indicated by ST1 (for example, 10 mm) in FIG. 8B. Specifically, the inner cylindrical frame 306 and the vertical drive frame 307 are engaged so as to maintain the distance of ST1 between the flange surface UX of the inner cylindrical frame 306 and the flange surface DX of the vertical drive frame 307. That is, the cylindrical frame 340 (inner cylindrical frame 306) is engaged with the vertical drive frame 307 so as to be able to move downward by a distance of ST1. The distance ST1 in which the cylindrical frame 340 can move downward is referred to as a pressing allowable distance (details will be described later).

  Further, the inner cylindrical frame 306 is formed with a protrusion 306b and a plurality of boss-like protrusions 306c. A photo sensor 312 (transmission type photo sensor) is attached to the vertical drive frame 307 at a position where the light receiving and light emitting elements can be shielded by the protrusions 306b. That is, when the inner cylindrical frame 306 moves downward by ST1, the protrusion 306b also moves downward by ST1 as indicated by an arrow (dotted line) in FIG. 8B. When the (inner cylindrical frame 306) moves down, the photosensor 312 shields between the light receiving and light emitting elements. As a result, it is detected that the button body 300 has been pressed by ST1.

  FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the drive unit 200. The drive unit 200 includes a front gear frame 201, a rear gear frame 206, various gears and the like (see FIG. 11) housed in the gear frames 201 and 206, a solenoid 202, a crank arm 203, and the tip of the crank arm 203. A crank bushing 204 fitted to the protrusion 203a, a motor 207 connected to one of various gears (motor gear 210) housed in the gear frames 201 and 206, and a motor cover 208 protecting (housing) the motor 207 It consists of and. The tip protrusion 203a and the crank bushing 204 constitute a slider 205.

  FIG. 11 is an enlarged view for explaining various gears and the like housed in the gear frames 201 and 206. A motor gear 210 is coupled (directly coupled) to the motor 207, and rotational power generated by driving the motor 207 is transmitted from the motor gear 210 to the relay gear 211 and the crank gear 212. The crank gear 212 is inserted into a clutch shaft 222 fixed to the crank arm 203, but is not fixed in the rotational direction of the shaft 222, and therefore is not driven as the shaft 222 rotates. It has become a thing.

  A clutch receiver 220 is also inserted in the clutch shaft 222. The clutch receiver 220 is fixed in the rotational direction of the clutch shaft 222, and is driven by the rotation of the shaft 222. Rotate. Further, the clutch receiver 220 is slidable in the axial direction of the shaft 222 (the direction back and forth with respect to the shaft), and is always urged by the clutch spring 221 to press the crank gear 212. It has become.

  The crank gear 212 is formed with a tooth-shaped portion 212 </ b> A having a saw-tooth shape that is jagged in the axial direction of the clutch shaft 222. The clutch receiver 220 is formed with a tooth mold part 220A having a sawtooth shape that can mesh with the tooth mold part 212A. The tooth mold part 220A of the clutch receiver 220 urged by the clutch spring 221 The state where the tooth mold portion 212A is engaged is always maintained. By maintaining the engaged state in this way, the crank gear 212, the clutch receiver 220, the clutch shaft 222, and the crank arm 203 rotate in synchronization. The tooth mold part 220A and the tooth mold part 212A will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Photo sensors (a lower position photo sensor 213 and an upper position photo sensor 214) capable of detecting the rotation angle of the crank arm 203 are provided in the vicinity of the crank gear 212. The photosensors 213 and 214 are transmissive photosensors, and are arranged at positions where the light receiving and light emitting elements can be shielded by the shielding protrusions 203b formed on the crank arm 203. Although details will be described later, each of the photosensors 213 and 214 is a position where the button unit 300 is in the lowest position (the button unit 300 is slightly protruded) when the shielding projection 203b is detected by the lower position photosensor 213. In addition, when the shielding protrusion 203b is detected by the upper position photosensor 214, the button part 300 is arranged at the uppermost position (the position where the button part 300 is greatly protruded). ing.

  The rotational power generated by driving the motor 207 is also transmitted from the motor gear 210 to the movement lock gear 215. The movement lock gear 215 has a rotary shaft that can move substantially vertically (details will be described later). . When the rotary shaft 215A of the movement lock gear 215 moves downward (that is, when the movement lock gear 215 moves downward), the gear lock 216 is moved to a position where it can mesh with the teeth of the movement lock gear 215. Is arranged. The gear lock 216 is connected to the solenoid 202 by a plunger 202a, and the plunger 202a is attracted to the solenoid 202 main body by the operation of the solenoid 202 (the solenoid 202 is energized). The gear lock 216 is also attracted to the solenoid 212 main body side.

  The gear lock 216 is disposed so as to mesh with the movement lock gear 215 that has moved downward when the solenoid 202 is not operated (non-energized state). Therefore, when the solenoid 202 is not operated (non-energized state), the rotational power of the movement lock gear 215 is restricted by the gear lock 216 (this is referred to as “lock state”).

On the other hand, when the solenoid 202 is activated (energized state), as described above, the gear lock 216 is attracted to the solenoid 202 main body side, so that it is disengaged from the position where it is engaged with the movable lock gear 215 moved downward. Become. Therefore, when the solenoid 202 is actuated (energized state), the rotational power of the movement lock gear 215 is not restricted by the gear lock 216 (this is referred to as “unlocked state”).
Note that the movement lock gear 215 in the locked state is brought into the unlocked state by the operation of the solenoid 202 is particularly referred to as “the locked state is released”.

  Next, the operation of the chance button device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The operation when the ascending movement is started from the state where the button unit 300 is at the lowermost position will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 12, the rotation shaft 215A of the movement lock gear 215 can move substantially vertically between the rotation shaft 215Ad and the rotation shaft 215Au by the rotation of the motor gear 210 (in the arrow direction indicated by A in the drawing). .

  FIG. 13 shows a state where the button unit 300 is stationary at the lowest position. As shown in the drawing, the movement lock gear 215 moves downward due to its own weight. At this time, the rotation shaft 215A of the movement lock gear 215 is in the lower position (the rotation shaft at this time is referred to as a rotation shaft 215Ad). That is, the movement lock gear 215 having the rotation shaft 215Ad is locked with the gear lock 216.

  FIG. 14 shows a state where the upward movement is started from the state where the button unit 300 is at the lowest position. As illustrated, with the rotation of the motor gear 210 (A direction in the figure), the movement lock gear 215 moves upward in the X direction in the figure. At this time, the rotation shaft 215A of the movement lock gear 215 is in the upper position (the rotation shaft at this time is referred to as a rotation shaft 215Au). Further, the movement lock gear 215 having the rotation shaft 215Au is in an unlocked state with the gear lock 216.

  Next, the crank arm 203 and the long hole 350 when the button unit 300 moves from the lowermost position to the uppermost position will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 15A shows the positional relationship between the crank arm 203 and the long hole 350 when the button unit 300 starts to move upward from the lowest position. When the button unit 300 starts to move upward from the lowest position, the crank gear 212 rotates in the M direction and the crank arm 203 also rotates in the M direction. At this time, the slider 205 slides (horizontally) in the long hole 350 in the R1 direction, and the vertical drive frame 307 moves upward in the arrow direction indicated by U in the drawing.
The point where the slider 205 is located in the long hole 350 when it is at the lowest position is referred to as the lowest descending point (D).

FIG. 15B shows a state when the slider 205 further slides in the long hole 350 in the R1 direction and reaches the right end 350a of the long hole 350. FIG. At this time, since the crank arm 203 continues to rotate in the M direction, the slider 205 that has reached the right end 350a then slides in the direction L1 in the drawing toward the left end 350b in the long hole 350. (FIG. 15C).
Then, the slider 205 slid and moved in the L1 direction in the long hole 305 stops when it moves to the position shown in FIG. 15D (that is, the shielding protrusion 203b reaches the position detected by the upper position photosensor 214). ).
The point where the slider 205 is located in the long hole 350 when it is at the uppermost position is referred to as the highest rising point (H).

  Next, the operation of the movement lock gear 215 when the button unit 300 reaches the uppermost position and when the downward movement starts from the lowermost position will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 16 shows a state of the drive unit 200 immediately before the button unit 300 reaches the uppermost position. That is, the motor gear 210 continues to rotate in the A direction, and at this time, the movement lock gear 215 is kept in the state of being moved upward (in the X direction in the drawing) to the position where the rotation shaft becomes the rotation shaft 215Au. Therefore, the unlocked state of the gear lock 216 and the movement lock gear 215 is maintained.

  FIG. 17 shows a state of the drive unit 200 when the button unit 300 reaches the uppermost position. That is, the rotation of the motor gear 210 is stopped, and the movement lock gear 215 is in a state where the rotation shaft 215A is moved downward due to its own weight (in the Y direction in the figure) where the rotation shaft 215A becomes the rotation shaft 215Ad. As a result, the movement lock gear 215 is locked with the gear lock 216.

FIG. 18 shows a state of the drive unit 200 when the button unit 300 starts to move downward from the uppermost position. At this time, since the motor gear 210 rotates in the B direction opposite to the upward movement, the crank gear 212 and the crank arm 203 also rotate in the N direction in the figure opposite to the M direction during the upward movement. Then, the movement lock gear 215 rotates in the W direction in the figure. Since the rotation axis of the movement lock gear at this time is the rotation axis 215Ad, the movement lock gear 215 is locked with the gear lock 216. (See FIG. 19). For this reason, in order to release the locked state shown in FIG. 19, the solenoid 202 is energized and the gear lock 216 and the movement lock gear 215 are unlocked (FIG. 20).
In the present embodiment, the solenoid 202 is energized while the button unit 300 described in FIG. 16 continues to move upward from the lowest position. Thereby, for example, even if a heavy gear is used as the movement lock gear 215, the gear 215 is moved to the lower position due to its own weight (the weight of the movement lock gear 215) during the upward movement (the rotation shaft 215A rotates). It is possible to avoid being locked with the gear lock 216 even when the shaft is 215Ad.

  Next, a pressing allowable distance (hereinafter referred to as “pressing stroke”) when the button unit 300 is pressed will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

FIG. 21 shows a positional relationship among the lower case 102 (shown by a dotted line), the cylindrical frame 340, and the vertical drive frame 307 when the button unit 300 is at the lowermost position.
That is, the distance indicated by ST1 is maintained between the cylindrical frame 340 and the vertical drive frame 307 as described in FIG. That is, the cylindrical frame 340 can be moved downward toward the vertical drive frame 307 by ST1, but the lower case 102 is engaged with the button portion 300 (particularly, the cylindrical frame 340) when the lower case 102 is engaged. In addition, a plurality of receiving holes 102 a that can receive the plurality of boss-like protrusions 306 c of the cylindrical frame 340 are provided. As shown in the figure, the receiving hole 102a is formed between the tip surface BX of the boss-shaped protrusion 306c and the bottom surface TX of the receiving hole 102a when the lower case 102 is engaged with the button portion 300 (particularly, the cylindrical frame 340). The hole is drilled so that the distance indicated by ST2 is maintained.
Further, the distance indicated by ST2 (for example, 3 mm) is set smaller than the distance indicated by ST1 (for example, 10 mm). As a result, when the cylindrical frame 340 moves downward by ST2, the tip surface BX of the boss-like protrusion 306c comes into contact with the bottom surface TX of the receiving hole 102a, so that further downward movement is impossible. That is, the pressing stroke when the button unit 300 is at the lowermost position is ST2.

On the other hand, FIG. 22 shows the positional relationship among the lower case 102 (indicated by a dotted line), the cylindrical frame 340 and the vertical drive frame 307 when the button unit 300 is at the uppermost position.
That is, since the plurality of boss-like protrusions 306c are located away from the receiving hole 102a that can receive them, the relationship [ST2 <ST1] is not established. For this reason, only the distance shown by ST1 is maintained between the cylindrical frame 340 and the vertical drive frame 307 as described in FIG. Therefore, the cylindrical frame 340 can move downward by ST1. That is, the pressing stroke when the button unit 300 is at the uppermost position is ST1.

  Next, using FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the operation of the drive unit 200 when a pressing force exceeding the pressing stroke is applied when the button unit 300 is at the uppermost position will be described.

  FIG. 23 shows a state of the crank gear 212 and the clutch receiver 220 when the button unit 300 is at the uppermost position. As shown in the drawing, the urging force from the clutch spring 221 acts on the clutch receiver 220, so that the tooth mold part 220 </ b> A of the clutch receiver 220 is in mesh with the tooth mold part 212 </ b> A of the crank gear 212. .

  However, as shown in FIG. 24, when a pressing force F exceeding the pressing stroke ST1 (indicated by a white arrow in the drawing) is applied, the button section 300 has no more room for the pressing stroke for further downward movement. Therefore, rotational power (force in the direction of the arrow indicated by I in the figure) due to this pressing force F acts on the crank gear 212 via the crank arm 203. In other words, power is applied to rotate the crank gear 212 in the direction I in the drawing although the drive unit 200 is not operating. However, at this time, the movement lock gear 215 is in a locked state with the gear lock 216, and the relay gear 211 and the motor gear 210 are also not rotatable. For this reason, when rotational power in the direction I in the figure is applied to the crank gear 212, the rotational power is also transmitted to the other gears 211 to 215 following this. That is, an unreasonable force (overload) is applied to the gears 211 to 215, and there is a possibility that the gears 212 to 215 may be damaged (the teeth are broken or the gear shaft is displaced). is there.

In order to avoid such a situation, in the present embodiment, the crank gear 212 is provided with the tooth mold portion 212A, and the clutch receiver 220 having the tooth mold portion 220A meshing with the tooth mold portion 212A is provided. As shown in the figure, the tooth mold portions 212A and 220A have a jagged shape (a notch like a saw tooth), and are in mesh with each other.
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 23, the clutch receiver 220 is normally urged in the P direction from the clutch spring 221, so that the tooth mold portion 220 </ b> A of the urged clutch receiver 220 is replaced with the tooth mold portion of the crank gear 212. It will mesh with 212A.

  On the other hand, when a pressing force F as shown in FIG. 24 is applied, rotational power in the direction I in the figure is applied to the crank arm 203 and the clutch receiver 220. At this time, the crank gear 212 is applied to the crank gear 212. Since the other gears 210, 211, and 215 are in a locked state, a force in the direction of the arrow indicated by K in the figure is generated. Then, the tooth mold part 220A of the clutch receiver 220 is moved in the I direction while being shifted from the position where the tooth mold part 212A is engaged with the tooth mold part 212A along the toothed surface of the tooth mold part 212A of the crank gear 212A. Will be rotated. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the engaged state of the clutch receiver 220 and the crank gear 212 is temporarily released (hereinafter, this released state is referred to as “non-engaged state”). That is, in this non-engaged state, the urging force in the arrow direction indicated by L in the drawing acts on the clutch receiver 220 from the crank gear 212 (and the tooth mold portion 212A).

In this non-engaged state, when the crank arm 203 and the clutch receiver 220 are slightly rotated in the I direction, the clutch receiver 220 urged by the clutch spring 221 is pushed out in the P direction, and the tooth mold portion 220A is again moved. It will mesh with the tooth mold 212A.
Here, “slightly rotated” means that if the clutch receiver 220 is rotated and moved by one pitch of the tooth mold portion 212A, the tooth mold portions 212A and 220A are in positions where they can be engaged next. Therefore, the clutch receiver 220 that is always urged in the P direction is engaged again at a position where the engagement is possible.

That is, when the pressing force F is applied for a short period of time (when a strong force is applied for a moment), the gears 210 to 215 due to the pressing force F are simply shifted by one pitch as described above. Can reduce the overload.
Further, when the pressing force F is continuously applied for a long time (when the pressing force F is continuously pressed with a strong force), the gear by the pressing force F is repeated while repeating the one-pitch deviation as described above. The overload to 210-215 can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the chance button device 100 includes a position where the button body 330 protrudes greatly and a position where it slightly protrudes from the surface of the gaming machine 1 (specifically, the upper plate unit 11). It is possible to control the movement of the vertical movement between the two positions, and the player can perform the pressing operation at any position between the protruding position and the protruding position, and is durable against excessive pressing force. Due to this, it is possible to provide a button switch device for a gaming machine corresponding to various gaming states and effects.

  For example, the progress of the game in the gaming machine is not given a special game value and a first game state (a so-called high probability game state represented by a probability variation state) in which a special game value is given to the player. In a gaming machine that is advanced by switching to the second gaming state (a so-called low-probability gaming state represented by a normal gaming state), the button unit 300 is set to the “uppermost position” in the first gaming state. The button unit 300 is moved to the “lowermost position” in the second gaming state. In this way, when the button body 330 is in the “largely protruding state” in the chance button device 100, it can be notified that the current gaming state is the first gaming state.

  Further, when the progress of the game is the first gaming state and the button body 330 is in the “largely protruding state”, an operation of continuously pressing the button body 330 on the liquid crystal display device 30 (hereinafter referred to as “continuous hitting”). May be displayed to prompt the player to repeatedly hit. Thus, the chance button device 100 according to the present embodiment has an excessive pressing force (pressing force) at any position between the “largely protruding position” and the “slightly protruding position” of the button body 330. On the other hand, since it has durability, it is possible to prompt this “continuous hit”.

  Further, as another example, when a specific effect content is executed according to the effect content of the liquid crystal display device 30 or the like in the gaming machine 1, the button unit 330 is moved to a “largely protruding position”, and the specification is performed. When the execution of the effect contents of is finished, the player may be moved to a “slightly protruding position” to enhance the player's preference. In this case as well, when the button body 330 is moved to the “largely protruding position”, the message “continuous hit” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 30 or the like, and the chance button device is displayed to the player. You may prompt 100 “continuous hits”.

  Furthermore, the chance button device 100 according to the present embodiment enables vertical movement control between a position where the button part 300 protrudes greatly and a position where the button part 300 protrudes slightly, and slightly protrudes from a position where the button part 300 protrudes greatly. Since the player can perform a pressing operation at any position between the positions, the “continuous hit” can be performed at any position between the “largely protruding position” and the “slightly protruding position”. It becomes possible. From this, the combination of the production content in the production that prompts “continuous hitting” and the production content based on the position of the button unit 300 is diversified, and it is possible to improve the interest of the player.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to control the vertical movement between the position where the button part 300 protrudes greatly and the position where it protrudes slightly, and any of the position between the position where the button 300 protrudes slightly and the position where it protrudes slightly is possible. Although the player can perform the pressing operation at the position, the position at which the player can perform the pressing operation is not limited to the “largely protruding position” and the “slightly protruding position”. That is, the drive control of the vertical movement of the button unit 300 is stopped at any position between the “largely protruding position” and the “slightly protruding position”, and the pressing operation can be accepted at the stopped position. Good. Furthermore, according to the gaming state in the gaming machine 1 described above and the contents of the performance of the liquid crystal display device 30 or the like, the drive control of the vertical movement of the button unit 300 is “a position that protrudes greatly” and “a position that protrudes slightly”. The drive control of the vertical movement may be stopped at any position between. Further, “pressing operation” and “continuous hitting” may be prompted at any position.

  In the present embodiment, the “excessive pressing force” is not limited to the above-mentioned “continuous hitting”, but includes all of them as long as it is an excessive pressing operation such as “strike” and “elbowing”. To do.

(References to other embodiments)
The above embodiment is an embodiment of the button switch device for gaming machines of the present invention, but various modifications can be made. In the following, another embodiment of the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as “modification”) will be described. Details about the same processing as in the present embodiment will be omitted, and new members and the like in the modification will be given new reference numerals and will be described in detail.

(Modification 1)
25 and 26 are enlarged views illustrating the crank gear 512, the clutch receiver 520, and the like in the first modification. The crank gear 512 is inserted into a clutch shaft 522 fixed to the crank arm 203, but is not fixed in the rotation direction of the shaft 522, and therefore is not driven as the shaft 522 rotates. It has become.

  A clutch receiver 520 is also inserted in the clutch shaft 522. The clutch receiver 520 is fixed in the rotational direction of the clutch shaft 522, and is driven by the rotation of the shaft 522. Rotate. Further, the clutch receiver 520 is slidable in the axial direction of the shaft 522 (the direction back and forth with respect to the shaft), and is always urged by the clutch spring 521 to press the crank gear 512. It has become.

  The crank gear 512 is formed with a tooth mold portion 512 </ b> A having a sawtooth shape that is jagged in the axial direction of the clutch shaft 522. The clutch receiver 520 is formed with a tooth mold portion 520A having a sawtooth shape that can mesh with the tooth mold portion 512A. The tooth mold portion 520A of the clutch receiver 520 biased by the clutch spring 521 The state where the tooth mold part 512A is engaged is always maintained. By maintaining the engaged state in this manner, the crank gear 512, the clutch receiver 520, the clutch shaft 522, and the crank arm 203 rotate in synchronization.

The tooth mold portion 520A and the tooth mold portion 512A will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 27 shows the meshed state of the crank gear 512 and the clutch receiver 520 when the button part 300 is at the uppermost position. As described above with reference to FIG. 23, since the clutch receiver 520 is normally biased in the P direction from the clutch spring 521, the tooth mold portion 520A of the biased clutch receiver 520 is the tooth mold portion 512A of the crank gear 512. Will be engaged.

  On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 24, when the pressing force F is applied, rotational power in the direction I in the drawing is applied to the crank arm 203 and the clutch receiver 520. At this time, the crank gear 512 is applied. Since the other gears 210, 211, and 215 are in a locked state, a force in the direction of the arrow indicated by K in the figure is generated. Then, the tooth mold part 520A of the clutch receiver 520 is displaced in the I direction while being shifted from the position where the tooth mold part 512A is engaged with the tooth mold part 512A along the toothed surface of the tooth mold part 512A of the crank gear 512. (FIG. 28A). And as shown in FIG.28 (b), the state which the clutch receiver 520 and the crank gear 512 meshed is temporarily cancelled | released, and it will be in a non-meshing state.

  In this non-engaged state, when the crank arm 203 and the clutch receiver 520 are slightly rotated in the I direction, the clutch receiver 520 biased by the clutch spring 521 is pushed out in the P direction (see FIG. 23), and the teeth As described above, the mold part 520A meshes with the tooth mold part 512A again.

Here, the shape of the tooth mold portion 520A will be described. As shown in FIG. 27 (partially enlarged view of the tooth mold portion 520A), the shape of each tooth of the tooth receiving portion 520A of the clutch receiver 520 is inclined with respect to the rotation direction I of the clutch receiver 520 (see FIG. 24 and the like). It is formed so as to have α and inclination β, and α> β. In the figure, A and B indicate tooth bases, and C indicates a tooth tip (vertex portion), which are connected to form a triangle ABC.
On the other hand, the shape of each tooth of the tooth mold portion 512A of the crank gear 512 is as shown in FIG. 27 (partially enlarged view of the tooth mold portion 512A) with respect to the direction of the force generated in the crank gear 512 (K direction). It is formed so as to have an inclination α and an inclination β, and α> β. In the figure, D and E indicate tooth bases, and F indicates a tooth tip (vertex portion), which are connected to form a triangle DEF.

As described above, each tooth of the tooth mold portion 512A and each tooth of the tooth mold portion 520A are formed to have inclinations opposite to each other when viewed in the I direction. Therefore, the tooth mold portion 512A and the tooth mold portion 520A are It can be in an intermeshing state or in a disengaged state.
Then, the force when the toothed surface indicated by AC moves along the toothed surface indicated by DF is greater than the slope β, for example, the rotation is in the direction opposite to the I direction. A large force is required as compared to the force when moving (the force when the toothed surface indicated by BC moves along the toothed surface indicated by EF). That is, if the inclination α is increased, the force of the vertical component of the rotational force that rotates in the I direction is required, so that a larger rotational force is required. Therefore, in the second modification, it is assumed that the meshing state between the tooth mold part 412A and the tooth mold part 420A is not released when the force of the vertical component is small by increasing the inclination α at least compared with the inclination β. Yes.

  As described above, according to the first modification, the inclination α on the rotation direction side of the clutch receiver 420 is made larger than the inclination β on the direction side opposite to the rotation direction (reverse rotation direction side). Therefore, the clutch receiver 420 is difficult to turn in the turning direction. Therefore, even when a slight pressing force is applied to the button part 300, the tooth mold part 420A that is in mesh with the tooth mold part 412A is not easily released to the non-engaged state. That is, when the button unit 300 is at the uppermost position, the button unit 300 can be kept in the uppermost position even if the button unit 300 is repeatedly hit.

In the present embodiment, “a configuration including the button body 330, the cylindrical frame 340, the protection plate 304, the LED board 305, the vertical drive frame 307, and the center spring 308” corresponds to the button body of the present invention.
The “motor gear 210” in the present embodiment corresponds to the drive gear of the present invention.
The “crank gear 212” in the present embodiment corresponds to the driven gear of the present invention.
The “various gears 210 to 215 and the gear lock 216 constituting the drive unit 200” in the present embodiment correspond to the gear mechanism of the present invention.
The “slider 205” in this embodiment corresponds to one end of the crank arm of the present invention.
Note that the “tooth portion 212A” in this embodiment corresponds to the sawtooth portion of the present invention.
The “clutch receiver 220” in this embodiment corresponds to the sawtooth gear of the present invention.
The “clutch spring 221 and clutch shaft 222” in the present embodiment correspond to an urging portion of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, “the tooth mold part 220A and the tooth mold part 212A are always brought into an intermeshing state as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, and the tooth mold part 220A and the tooth mold part 212A are brought into contact with each other by the pressing force F. “Making it in a non-engaged state” corresponds to the engagement mechanism of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 11 Top plate unit 17 Game board 30 Liquid crystal display device 51 Main control board 52 Production control board 100 Chance button apparatus 100a Chance button detection switch 101 Upper case 102 Lower case 102a Receiving hole 200 Drive part 202 Solenoid 203 Crank arm 205 Slider 210 Motor gear 212 Crank gear 212A Tooth mold part 213 Lower position photo sensor 214 Upper position photo sensor 215 Movement lock gear 216 Gear lock 220 Clutch receiver 300 Button part 303 Cylindrical pressing frame 306 Inner cylindrical frame 306c Boss-like protrusion 307 Vertical drive frame 330 Button Body 340 Cylindrical frame 350 Long hole α Inclination β Inclination AC Toothing surface BC Toothing surface DF Toothing surface EF Toothing surface

Claims (3)

Provided in the gaming machine, the movement of the button body can be controlled between a first height position and a second height position in which the button main body is greatly protruded compared to the first height position. A button switch device for a gaming machine that can be pressed by an operator,
A button body having a pressing surface capable of being pressed;
A drive gear that rotates by a driving force from a drive source, a gear mechanism that includes at least a driven gear that rotates following the rotation of the drive gear;
A long hole portion that is arranged at the bottom of the button body and that extends in the horizontal direction, and
A crank arm that engages one end of the elongated hole portion so as to be horizontally movable, and engages the other end of the driven gear included in the gear mechanism;
An engagement mechanism for engaging the crank arm with the driven gear;
With
The driven gear is rotatably passed through a crank arm shaft fixed to the other end of the crank arm, and has a serrated portion in the rotation axis direction of the driven gear,
The engagement mechanism is
A saw-tooth gear that is slidably passed on the crank arm shaft, is fixed in the rotational direction of the crank arm, has a saw tooth that is opposed to the saw tooth portion and meshes with the saw tooth portion. When,
A biasing portion that slides the sawtooth gear on the crank arm shaft and meshes with the sawtooth portion by a predetermined biasing force generated by biasing the sawtooth gear toward the sawtooth portion. And having
When the driven gear is rotated by the driving force from the driving source, the saw-toothed gear biased by the biasing portion is held in mesh with the driven gear, and the driving force from the driving source is When transmitted to the crank arm via the driven gear,
As the driven gear rotates, one end of the crank arm rotates in an arc around the other end, and when viewed within the slot, the one end moves horizontally in the slot. By moving the button body upward toward the second height position, or moving the button body downward toward the first height position,
When the pressing force generated by the pressing operation from the operator is transmitted to the crank arm via the button body,
The saw-toothed gear that is urged by the predetermined urging force by the rotational force that the crank arm turns in an arc shape around the other end in the push-down direction that attempts to move the button body downward. Is released from the state of meshing with the serrated portion,
Each saw tooth of the serrated gear has an inclination on at least the reverse rotation direction opposite to the rotation direction rotated by the rotational force, and the degree of the inclination is compared with the inclination on the rotation direction side. A button switch device for gaming machines characterized by being set small.   Each saw tooth of the serrated portion has an inclination at least on the rotation direction side of the saw tooth gear, and the degree of the inclination is set smaller than the inclination on the reverse rotation direction side. The button switch device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the button switch device is for a gaming machine. A gaming machine comprising the button switch device for a gaming machine according to claim 1.

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