JP4931486B2 - Rotating connection structure of rotating connectors in gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary connection structure of a rotary connector in a gaming machine, and more specifically, a symbol display device provided rotatably and a control device for electrically controlling the symbol display device via a rotary connector. In particular, the present invention relates to a rotary connection structure of a rotary connector in a gaming machine configured to be electrically connected.

A pachinko machine, which is a typical gaming machine, is provided with a decorative member at a substantially central position of a gaming area defined on the gaming board, and a liquid crystal type that can change and stop various symbols from an opening formed in the decorative member. A drum-type symbol display device is arranged to face forward. Then, the symbol display device is electrically connected to the display control device through a wiring, and the symbol of the symbol display device is changed and stopped based on a control signal from the display control device to perform a symbol change game. Composed. Further, in recent years, pachinko machines have been proposed in which not only playing the symbol variation game on the symbol display device but also rotating the symbol display device itself to increase the interest of the game. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a rotation provided with a first connector portion provided with a brush and a second connector portion provided with an annular contact portion that is rotatable relative to the first connector portion and contacts the brush. A connector is provided, a signal line from the symbol display device is connected to one connector portion, a signal line from the control device is connected to the other connector portion, and the connector portion to which the symbol display device is connected is the symbol display device And a gaming machine configured to be able to rotate synchronously. That is, the first and second connector portions of the rotary connector relatively rotate in synchronization with the rotation of the symbol display device, thereby preventing the signal line connecting the symbol display device and the control device to the rotary connector from being twisted. However, the symbol display device and the control device are electrically connected.
JP 2006-6645 A

By the way, like the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1, when the symbol display device and the control device are configured to be connected by a rotary connector, the first connector portion of the rotary connector is rotated when the symbol display device is rotated. Since the brush slides on the annular contact portion of the second connector portion, the energized state can be secured while the first and second connector portions rotate relatively. Therefore, in pachinko machine game effects, if the symbol display device is rotated frequently or the symbol display device is swung by changing the rotation direction in a short time, the brush and the annular contact portion are worn. As a result, a normal contact cannot be obtained, and as a result, there is a possibility that unintended contents are displayed on the symbol display device, or that the display is distorted. In particular, when the symbol display device is swung, there is a drawback that the brush is easily worn by sliding within a narrow range of the annular contact portion.
Then, an object of this invention is to provide the rotation connection structure of the rotation connector in the game machine which can prevent the contact failure of the rotation connector which connects a symbol display apparatus and a control apparatus.

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve the intended purpose, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application provides:
A rotary connector (60) having a fixed-side connector portion (61) and a rotary-side connector portion (68) that can rotate while maintaining a contact point between the fixed-side connector portion (61) is provided. The control device (16) is connected to the part (61), and the symbol display device (50) is connected to the rotation side connector portion (68) to connect the symbol display device (50) and the control device (16). In gaming machines configured to be electrically connected,
The symbol display device (50) is provided coaxially with the rotation side connector portion (68), and the symbol display device (50) and the driving means (38) are connected to connect the symbol display device (50) when the driving means (38) is driven. A rotating connecting member (53) for rotating;
A first action portion (54, 55) provided on one member (53) of the rotation side connector portion (68) and the rotation connecting member (53);
The rotation side connector portion (68) and the rotation linking member (53) are provided on a member (68) different from the member (53) provided with the first action portion (54, 55), and the rotation linking member (53 ) In one direction is brought into contact with the first action part (54, 55), and the rotation connecting member (53) is separated from the first action part (54, 55) by rotating in the other direction. 2 working parts (70),
By rotating the rotary connecting member (53) in a direction in which the first action part (54, 55) and the second action part (70) contact each other, the rotation side connector part (68) rotates,
By rotating the rotation connecting member (53) in a direction in which the first action part (54, 55) and the second action part (70) are separated from each other, the rotation of the rotation side connector part (68) is stopped. The gist of the present invention is that the symbol display device (50) can be rotated in a state where it is in a closed state.

  Thus, while providing the 1st action part which rotates integrally in one member in the rotation side connector part of the rotation connection member and rotation connector which rotate a symbol display device, the other of a rotation connection member and a rotation side connector part By providing a second action part that contacts the first action part when rotating in one direction, the first action part comes into contact with the second action part when the rotation connection member rotates. In this case, the rotation connecting member and the rotation side connector portion can be rotated integrally. That is, since the rotation connecting member that rotates together with the symbol display device and the rotation-side connector portion of the rotary connector can be integrally rotated by the contact between the first action portion and the second action portion, the symbol display device And twisting of a signal line connecting the control device can be prevented.

  On the other hand, when the rotation connecting member rotates in a direction in which the first action part does not contact the second action part, the symbol display device can be rotated along with the rotation of the rotation connection member. Since it does not rotate, it is possible to prevent wear at the contact portion between the fixed connector portion and the rotary connector portion of the rotary connector.

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve the intended object, the invention according to claim 2 of the present application is
A rotary connector (60) having a fixed-side connector portion (61) and a rotary-side connector portion (68) that can rotate while maintaining a contact point between the fixed-side connector portion (61) is provided. The control device (16) is connected to the part (61), and the symbol display device (50) is connected to the rotation side connector portion (68) to connect the symbol display device (50) and the control device (16). In gaming machines configured to be electrically connected,
The symbol display device (50) is provided coaxially with the rotation side connector portion (68), and the symbol display device (50) and the driving means (38) are connected to connect the symbol display device (50) when the driving means (38) is driven. A rotating connecting member (53) for rotating;
A pair of first acting parts (53) provided on one member (53) of the rotation side connector part (68) and the rotation linking member (53) and spaced apart in the rotation direction of the rotation side connector part (68). 54,55)
The rotation side connector portion (68) and the rotation connecting member (53) are provided on a member (68) different from the member (53) provided with the first action portion, and at least one first action portion (54, 55) faces the pair of first acting parts (54, 55) so as to be separated from the first acting part (54, 55), and a relative pressing force is exerted between the first acting part (54, 55) when the rotary connecting member (53) rotates. A second connecting portion (70) for rotating the rotation connecting member (53) and the rotating side connector portion (68) integrally by acting;
By rotating the rotary connecting member (53) within a range in which a pressing force does not act relatively between the pair of first action parts (54, 55) and the second action part (70), the rotation side The gist is that the symbol display device (50) can be rotated with the connector (68) stopped.

Thus, while providing a pair of 1st action parts spaced apart in the rotation direction of the rotation side connector part in one member in the rotation side connector part of the rotation connection member and rotation connector which rotate a symbol display device, Since the second working part that faces between the pair of first working parts and is separated from at least one first working part is provided on the other member of the rotational linking member and the rotation side connector part, A relative pressing force acts between the first action part and the second action part, whereby the rotation connecting member and the rotation-side connector part can be integrally rotated. That is, since the rotation connecting member that rotates together with the symbol display device and the rotation-side connector portion of the rotary connector can be integrally rotated by the contact between the first action portion and the second action portion, the symbol display device And twisting of a signal line connecting the control device can be prevented.

  On the other hand, when the rotation linking member is rotated within a range in which the pressing force does not act between the pair of first action parts and the second action part, the symbol display device is rotated along with the rotation of the rotation linking member. On the other hand, since the rotation-side connector portion does not rotate, it is possible to prevent wear at the contact portion between the fixed-side connector portion and the rotation-side connector portion in the rotation connector.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the rotation linking member (53) is provided so as to be rotatable about the axis of the symbol display device (50) and extends on the rotation axis of the symbol display device (50). The gist is that the existing through hole (53b) is provided, and the signal line (77) connecting the symbol display device (50) and the rotary connector (60) is inserted into the through hole (53b). .

  In this way, the rotation connecting member provided so as to be able to rotate around the axis of the symbol display device is provided with a through hole extending on the axis of rotation of the symbol display device to connect the symbol display device and the rotary connector. By inserting the signal line into the through hole, it is possible to minimize the twisting of the signal line that occurs when only the rotation connecting member is rotated without rotating the rotation-side connector portion.

  According to the present invention, even when the symbol display device is swung, the rotary connector that connects the symbol display device and the control device can be held in a stopped state, so that contact failure of the rotary connector can be prevented. .

  Next, the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of preferred embodiments. In the embodiment, a pachinko machine that plays a game using a pachinko ball as a game ball will be described as an example. Further, in the following description, “front”, “rear”, “left”, and “right” refer to the front side (player side) of the game board of the pachinko machine as shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. It points out in the state seen from.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the game board 10 according to the embodiment includes a rotary display device 20 for performing a symbol variation game with various symbols in a game region 10b defined by a rail 10a curved in a substantially circular shape. A start winning device 11 that plays a symbol variation game on the rotary display device 20 by winning a pachinko ball, a pachinko ball can be won when a so-called jackpot game occurs, and a predetermined number of pachinko balls are awarded as a winning ball by winning the pachinko ball A number of game components such as a special prize device 12 to be paid out and other lighting devices 13 are provided. Then, based on the control of various control devices 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 disposed on the back side of the pachinko machine (not shown), the game parts such as the rotary display device 20 are operated. Then, the required games are played. Here, in the embodiment, as the control device, as shown in FIG. 2, a main control device 14 that controls the entire pachinko machine, a general control device 15 connected to the main control device 14, and the rotary display device 20, a display control device 16 that performs display control, a drive control device 17 that performs rotation control of the rotary display device 20, a lamp control device 18 that controls the illumination device 13, and a sound control that controls a speaker 75 (see FIG. 2). A device 19 and other various control devices (not shown) are provided.

  In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, each of the display control device 16, the drive control device 17, the lamp control device 18, and the sound control device 19 is connected to the overall control device 15 and is connected to the main control device. After the control signal from the device 14 is once processed by the overall control device 15, the control signal is transmitted to the display control device 16, the drive control device 17, the lamp control device 18 and the sound control device 19. In other words, the control signal is synchronously transmitted from the overall control device 15 to the display control device 16, the drive control device 17, the lamp control device 18, and the sound control device 19. An effect that closely associates the effect, the light emission effect by the lighting device 13, and the sound effect effect by the speaker 75 is enabled. The start winning device 11 is provided with a winning detection switch 11a. The pachinko ball flowing down the game area 10b of the game board 10 wins the start winning device 11 and the winning detection switch 11a wins. When detected, a winning detection signal is transmitted to the main control device 14. That is, winning detection of the winning detection switch 11a triggers the main controller 14 to start control for performing a game effect.

(About rotary display device)
As shown in FIG. 3, the rotary display device 20 is disposed at a substantially central position of the game area 11 b in the game board 10, and a main body portion 22 to which various decorative members are attached, and a front side of the main body portion 22. A substantially rectangular liquid crystal display (design display device) 50 that is arranged and displays various symbols based on the control of the display control device 16, and a liquid crystal display that is rotatably arranged on the front side of the main body 22. And a stepping motor (drive means) 38 connected to the support member 51 and driven under the control of the drive control device 17 to rotate the liquid crystal display 50 and the support member 51. A rotation connector 60 for connecting the display control device 16 and the liquid crystal display 50 is basically provided. That is, the rotary display device 20 drives the stepping motor 38 based on the display effect displayed on the liquid crystal display 50 based on the control of the display control device 16 and the control of the drive control device 17. An operation effect that the liquid crystal display 50 rotates can be performed. The stepping motor 38 according to the embodiment is set to rotate once in 252 steps, and rotates step by step based on a control signal (pulse signal) transmitted from the drive control device 17.

(About the main unit)
As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, the main body portion 22 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape, and a front wall is formed with a rising wall 22a extending forward, and the upper portion is cut out. It is designed to have an annular shape. The support member 51 is installed in a circular opening region 22b defined inside the rising wall 22a. Note that the lower end portion and the left and right end portions of the main body portion 22 are provided with a plurality of first heat radiation holes 22c that open in the front-rear direction in the connected portion of the rising wall 22a.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, inside the circular opening region 22b in the main body 22, there are four places spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the circular opening region 22b (that is, the rotation direction of the liquid crystal display 50). Position detection sensors 25, 26, 27, and 28 for detecting the posture of the support member 51 are attached. In the embodiment, as each of the position detection sensors 25, 26, 27, and 28, a light emitting piece 29a provided with a light emitting element that emits light and a light receiving element that receives light from the light emitting element and outputs a signal are provided. Optical that detects a change in the amount of light received by the light receiving element when a position detecting piece 56 (described later) passes through the space between the light emitting piece 29a and the light receiving piece 29b with the light receiving piece 29b facing each other (see FIG. 6). A type sensor is used.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the position detection sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 are arranged at the upper and lower ends and the left and right ends on the virtual circle. In the following description, the sensor on the upper side is referred to as the first position detection sensor 25, and the second position detection sensor 26, the third position detection sensor 27, and the fourth position are sequentially clockwise from the first position detection sensor 25. The position detection sensor 28 will be referred to. That is, the first to fourth position detection sensors 25, 26, 27, and 28 are provided at positions that are rotationally displaced by 90 degrees.

(About rolling members)
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6, on the outside of the position detection sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 in the main body 22, there is a virtual center around the center position of the circular opening region 22b. Rolling members 30 are attached to three locations on the circumference of the circle that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and each rolling member 30 is configured to abut against and support the back surface 51 a of the support member 51. The three rolling members 30 are provided at positions that are rotationally displaced by 120 degrees in the circumferential direction. One of the three rolling members 30 is disposed immediately above the first position detection sensor 25, and the other two are supporting members. 51 is positioned below a rotary shaft portion 52 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 6, each of the rolling members 30 is attached to a cylindrical roller portion 31, a support shaft 32 inserted and fixed in the insertion hole 31 a of the roller portion 31, and an outer peripheral surface of the roller portion 31. It is composed of an elastic ring (elastic member) 33 and is rotated around the support shaft 32 by covering the support shaft 32 with a cover member 34 in a state where the support shaft 32 is inserted into a support recess 24 provided in the body portion 22. Configured to get. Here, the rolling member 30 is installed in a posture in which the support shaft 32 is directed to the center position of the circular opening region 22 b, and the rotation direction of the rolling member 30 is directed in the tangential direction of the rotation locus of the support member 51. It is supposed to be. An annular groove 31b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the roller part 31 at a substantially central position in the axial direction of the roller part 31, and the elastic ring 33 is fitted into the annular groove 31b. Is done. The elastic ring 33 is dimensioned so as to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion 31, and the elastic ring 33 comes into contact with the back surface 51 a of the support member 51.

(About the cylindrical part)
As shown in FIG. 4, a cylindrical tubular portion 23 extending rearward is formed on the back surface of the main body portion 22 at the center position of the circular opening region 22b, and faces the circular opening region 22b. The rotating shaft 52 (described later) of the support member 51 is inserted (see FIG. 4). Further, first and second bearings (bearing members) 35 and 36 for supporting the rotating shaft portion 52 are coaxially inserted into the front opening end portion and the rear opening end portion of the cylindrical portion 23, respectively. The rotating shaft 52 is rotatably supported by both bearings 35 and 36. Here, on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 23, position restricting pieces 23a projecting inward (center direction) project at a plurality of locations (in the embodiment, four locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 23). The rear bearing of the first bearing 35 inserted into the front opening end of the cylindrical portion 23 is positioned by the position restricting piece 23a, and the second bearing 36 inserted into the rear opening end of the cylindrical portion 23 is provided. Is positioned by the position restricting piece 23a. As shown in FIG. 4, a bearing holder 37 that is in contact with the front end portion of the first bearing 35 is attached to the front opening of the cylindrical portion 23, and the front position of the first bearing 35 is set to the bearing holder. 37 is positioned. On the other hand, when the protective case 46 is fixed to the rear end portion of the cylindrical portion 23, the second bearing 36 comes into contact with the rear end portion of the second bearing 36 and the second bearing 36. The rear position is positioned.

  Further, the stepping motor 38 is disposed on the back surface of the main body portion 22 in a posture in which the rotation shaft is directed rearward, and a drive gear 39 is attached to the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 38 (FIG. 3). reference). The stepping motor 38 is fixed to the main body portion 22 via a metal base plate 40 and is covered with a motor cover 41 that opens to the cylindrical portion 23 side, and the stepping motor 38 rotates. Various wirings are sometimes prevented from being caught in the drive gear 39. In addition, installation members 43 and 43 for attaching the drive control device 17 and the relay substrate 44 are disposed on the back surface of the main body 22.

(About protective case)
As shown in FIG. 4, a protective case 46 that accommodates and protects the rotary connector 60 and a driven gear (first rotary connecting member) 53 described later is detachably attached to the rear end portion of the tubular portion 23. Here, the protective case 46, 3, 4, 7 or 8, a first protective member 47 which is fixed to the rear end of the tubular portion 23, the first The second protective member 48 is attached to the protective member 47, and the driven gear 53 and the rotary connector 60 are accommodated between the first and second protective members 47, 48, respectively. ing. The first protective member 47 is formed in a dish-like shape that opens rearward, and an opening 47a that is substantially aligned with the rear opening of the cylindrical portion 23 is provided, and the opening 47a is provided through the opening 47a. An inner ring (not shown) of the second bearing 36 is exposed inside the first protective member 47 so that the driven gear 53 accommodated in the protective case 46 can come into contact with the inner ring. Further, flanges 47b, 47b, 47b projecting outward are formed on the outer wall portion of the first protective member 47 at three locations spaced in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 7 or FIG. 7 and 8, only two flanges 47b are shown), and bosses (fixing portions) 47c, 47c, 47c projecting rearwardly project from the flanges 47b, 47b, 47b. The outer wall of the first protective member 47 is formed with a notch 47d that opens into the protective case 46, and the drive gear 39 is connected to the first protective member 47 through the notch 47d. The drive gear 39 can be engaged with the driven gear 53 accommodated in the protective case 46 so as to face the inside.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the second protective member 48 is formed in a flat plate shape that substantially aligns with the first protective member 47 in the front-rear direction, and corresponds to the three bosses 47c, 47c, 47c in the front-rear direction. Through holes (fixed portions) 48b, 48b, 48b penetrating in the front-rear direction are formed in flanges 48a, 48a, 48a formed at the positions. The protective members 47 and 48 are fixed by screwing screws (fixing means) 76 inserted from the rear of the through holes 48b into the corresponding bosses 47c. When the second protective member 48 is fixed to the first protective member 47, the second protective member 48 is adjacent to the motor cover 41 and the drive gear 39 and the driven gear 53 are not exposed. Thus, various wires are prevented from being caught in the drive gear 39 and the driven gear 53.

(About support members)
As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 51 is formed in a disk shape substantially aligned with the circular opening region 22b, and the drive shaft 51 is disposed at the rear end portion of the rotary shaft portion 52 provided rearward at the center position thereof. A driven gear 53 that meshes with the gear 39 is attached (see FIG. 9). That is, when the drive gear 39 is rotated by driving the stepping motor 38, the driven gear 53 is rotated, and the support member 51 is rotated around the rotation shaft portion 52, thereby supporting the support gear 51. The liquid crystal display 50 is configured to rotate integrally with the member 51. The driven gear 53 is attached to the rear end portion of the rotary shaft portion 52 in a state where the rotary shaft portion 52 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 23 and is accommodated in the protective case 46. And the diameter of the said driven gear 53 is set larger than the internal diameter of the said cylindrical part 23, and it is comprised so that the rotating shaft part 52 may not drop | omit from the cylindrical part 23. FIG. The driven gear 53 is configured to abut against the inner ring body of the second bearing 36 through the through hole 47a of the first protective member 47. When the driven gear 53 moves back and forth, Even if the two bearings 36 are contacted, the rotational resistance does not increase.

  Here, in the embodiment, the gear ratio between the drive gear 39 attached to the stepping motor 38 and the driven gear 53 attached to the rotary shaft portion 52 is set to be drive gear: driven gear = 1: 2. It is. That is, as described above, since the stepping motor 38 is set to rotate once in 252 steps, the driven gear 53 is set to 0. 0 each time the stepping motor 38 (that is, the drive gear 39) rotates one step. Rotates 71 degrees. In other words, each time the stepping motor 38 is rotated by one step, the support member 51 to which the driven gear 53 is fixed and the liquid crystal display 50 fixed to the support member 51 are similarly rotated by 0.71 degrees. .

  As shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 11 to FIG. 15, a pair separated from the back surface 53a of the driven gear 53 (the surface facing the rotary connector 60) in the rotational direction of the driven gear 53 (the rotational direction of the rotary connector 60). The working wall portions (first working portions) 54 and 55 are formed at two positions that are 180 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the rotation center. An action protrusion (second action part) 70 to be described later of the connector 60 faces each other. The relationship between the pair of action wall portions 54 and 55 and the action protrusion 70 will be described later (see paragraph [0037]). In the following description, of the pair of working wall portions 54 and 55, the working wall portion spaced in the clockwise direction in FIG. 11 is referred to as the first working wall portion 54, and the working wall separated in the counterclockwise direction. This part may be referred to as the second working wall part 55.

  As shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 9, a wiring hole 52 a that opens in the front-rear direction is formed in the rotating shaft portion 52, and the driven gear 53 is aligned with the rear opening of the rotating shaft portion 52. A through hole (through hole) 53b is formed. A wiring (hereinafter referred to as a signal line 77) connected to the liquid crystal display 50 is inserted into the wiring hole 52 a of the rotating shaft 52 and the through hole 53 a of the driven gear 53, so that the back side 53 a side of the driven gear 53. It extends to the (rotating connector 60 side). As described above, the signal line 77 connected to the liquid crystal display 50 passes through the rotation shaft portion 52 serving as the rotation center, thereby minimizing the twist of the signal line 77 due to the rotation of the liquid crystal display 50 (support member 51). Is suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a position detection piece 56 projects in a ring shape around the rotation shaft portion 52 on the back surface 51 a of the support member 51, and the support member 51 is pivotally supported by the main body portion 22. At this time, the first to fourth position detection sensors 25, 26, 27, and 28 provided in the main body 22 are configured such that the position detection piece 56 faces between the light emitting pieces 29a and the light receiving pieces 29b. The position detecting piece 56 is formed with a notch 56a, and the notch 56a is moved between the light receiving piece 29a and the light emitting piece 29b by the rotation of the support member 51 (liquid crystal display 50). Corresponding position detection sensors 25, 26, 27, and 28 detect the amount of light received by the light receiving element. In the embodiment, the long side of the liquid crystal display 50 formed in a rectangular shape extends in a substantially horizontal direction by detecting the cutout portion 56a of the position detection piece 56 with the first position detection sensor 25. The reference position (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 16) is set to be detected.

  Further, on the back surface 51a side of the support member 51, a plurality of second heat radiation holes 57 are formed at the upper end portion, the lower end portion, and the left and right end portions. When the liquid crystal display 50 is held at the reference position, the first heat radiation holes 22c, 22c, 22c formed in the lower end portion and the left and right end portions of the main body portion 22, the lower end portion of the support member 51, and Second heat radiating holes 57, 57, 57 formed in the left and right end portions are aligned in the front-rear direction. That is, the heat generated by the liquid crystal display 50 can be released to the back side of the main body 22 (the back side of the game board 10). The second heat radiating hole 57 located at the upper end of the support member 51 is located above the rising wall 22a of the main body 22 and directly releases the heat generated by the liquid crystal display 50 to the back side of the main body 22. It is supposed to be.

(About rotating connector)
As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 8 or FIG. 10, the rotary connector 60 is fixed to the protective case 46, and is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the fixed connector 61. The first buffer member 66 that is interposed between the rotation-side connector portion 68 and the first protection member 47 and the second protection member 48 and holds the rotation connector 60 in a state of being separated from the protection members 47 and 48. , 66, 66, a wiring (hereinafter referred to as a signal line 78) from the display control device 16 is connected to the fixed-side connector part 61, and a signal line 77 from the liquid crystal display 50 is connected to the rotation-side connector part 68 Connected. A plurality of concentric annular contact portions (not shown) are provided on a surface of the fixed side connector portion 61 facing the rotation side connector portion 68, and the fixed side connector portion 61 of the rotation side connector portion 68 is provided. And a brush (not shown) in contact with each of the annular contact portions is provided on the opposite surface, and the brush slides on the annular contact portion when the rotation-side connector portion 68 rotates, so that the liquid crystal A contact point between the display 50 and the display control device 16 is maintained.

(Fixed side connector)
As shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 10, the fixed-side connector portion 61 is formed in a flat plate shape having a substantially inverted triangle, and is formed on the inner surface of a support wall 61a formed so as to stand up in a substantially annular shape on the front surface. A contact portion is provided. Further, a pair of curved attachment pieces 62, 62 are formed at each corner of the fixed connector 61, and the first buffer member 66 is attached / detached by the pair of attachment pieces 62, 62. A mounting hole 63 that can be mounted is defined. Each mounting hole 63 is provided at a position aligned in the front-rear direction with each boss 47 c of the first protective member 47 and each through-hole 48 b of the second protective member 48. A projecting portion 62 a that protrudes inward of the mounting hole 63 is formed on the inner peripheral side of the mounting hole 63 in the mounting piece portions 62 and 62.

  Here, the first buffer member 66 is formed in a cylindrical shape in which a through hole 66a extending in the front-rear direction is formed by an elastic member such as silicon rubber, and at a substantially central position in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface. Is formed with an annular recess 66b that can be fitted to the protrusion 62a of the mounting piece 62, 62 (see FIG. 10). That is, when the first buffer member 66 is mounted in the mounting hole 63, the projecting portion 62a and the annular recess 66b are fitted, and the first buffer member 66 is held at a predetermined position of the mounting hole 63. It is like that. The first buffer member 66 is formed so as to protrude from the front surface 61 b and the rear surface 61 c of the fixed connector portion 61 in a state of being attached to the attachment hole 63.

  That is, the bosses 47c formed in the first protection member 47 are inserted into the through holes 66a of the first buffer members 66 attached to the attachment holes 63 of the fixed-side connector portion 61, and in this state, the first bosses 47c are inserted. The fixed-side connector portion 61 is attached between the protective members 47 and 48 by screwing screws from the rear of the through holes 48 b formed in the second protective member 48. At this time, the first buffer member 66 protruding from the front surface 61b and the back surface 61c of the fixed connector portion 61 is sandwiched between the first and second protective members 47 and 48, and the rotary connector 60 (fixed side) is fixed. The connector portion 61) is held in a state of being separated from both the protective members 47 and 48 (see FIG. 7).

  A first connection board 64 for connecting a signal line 78 from the display control device 16 is attached to the back surface 61 c of the fixed connector portion 61. The connector receiving portion 64a of the first connection board 64 opens upward between the protective members 47 and 48 when the first protective member 47 and the second protective member 48 are assembled. Through the opening 49 (see FIG. 7) defined as described above, the protective case 46 is exposed to the outside, and the signal line 78 from the display control device 16 can be connected through the opening 49. Yes.

(Rotation side connector)
As shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 10, the rotation-side connector portion 68 is formed in a disk shape facing the inside of a support wall 61 a formed in the fixed-side connector portion 61, and faces the fixed-side connector portion 61. On the side, a brush corresponding to the annular contact portion is formed. Here, the rotation-side connector portion 68 is positioned coaxially with the driven gear 53, and a connector receiving portion 69 is provided at the center of the rotation-side connector portion 68. A signal line 77 from the liquid crystal display 50 inserted through the hole 52 a and the through hole 53 b of the driven gear 53 is connected to the connector receiving portion 69.

  Further, at a position sandwiching the rotation center of the rotation side connector portion 68, a projection 71 projecting to the driven gear 53 side and a second buffer member (buffer member) removably attached to the projection 71 are provided. An action protrusion (second action part) 70 constituted by 72 is provided. The action protrusion 70 is configured to face the pair of action wall parts 54 and 55 formed on the driven gear 53 when the rotary connector 60 is accommodated in the protective case 46. In other words, in the embodiment, the action mechanism portions 73 including the pair of action wall portions 54 and 55 and the action protrusion 70 facing between the pair of action wall portions 54 and 55 are provided at two places. Then, in each action mechanism 73, one action wall part 54, 55 and the action projection 70 come into contact with each other when the driven gear 53 rotates, so that the rotation-side connector part 68 rotates along with the driven gear 53. However, the support member 51 (liquid crystal display 50) is rotated. At this time, since the rotation direction and the rotation speed of the support member 51 (liquid crystal display 50), the driven gear 53, and the rotation side connector 68 are the same, the rotation side connector 68 and the support member 51 (liquid crystal display 50) The relative positional relationship does not change, and the signal line 77 connecting the liquid crystal display 50 and the rotation-side connector portion 68 is not twisted.

  Here, the positional relationship between the pair of action wall portions 54 and 55 provided on the driven gear 53 and the action protrusion 70 provided on the rotation-side connector portion 68 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, since the relationship between the pair of action wall portions 54 and 55 and the action protrusion 70 in each action mechanism part 73 corresponds, one action mechanism part 73 will be described as an example, and the other action mechanism part 73 includes The same reference numerals shall be attached. In each action mechanism 73, the diameter of the action protrusion 70 is set to be smaller than the distance between the corresponding pair of action walls 54, 55, so that the driven gear 53 (rotation side connector 68) in the rotation direction. In at least one direction, the action protrusion 70 is separated from the action wall parts 54 and 54. When the driven gear 53 rotates, the point A of the first working wall 54 and the point B of the working projection 70 come into contact with each other, and the working projection 70 is pressed by the first working wall 54 (first working wall). When a pressing force is applied between the portion 54 and the action protrusion 70), the rotation-side connector portion 68 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 11, and the point A ′ of the second action wall portion 55 and the action protrusion are rotated. When the point B ′ of 70 abuts and the action protrusion 70 is pressed by the second action wall 55 (when a pressing force acts between the second action wall 55 and the action protrusion 70). The rotation side connector 68 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG.

  In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, in the state where the driven gear 53 is stopped and the liquid crystal display 50 is held at the reference position, the action protrusion 70 is located at an intermediate position between the pair of action walls 54 and 55. Is set such that the central angle ∠AOB = the central angle ∠A′OB ′ = 7.1 degrees. 12 to 15, the central angles ∠AOB and ∠A′OB ′ are exaggerated for easy understanding.

  Here, as described above, every time the stepping motor 38 is rotated by one step, the driven gear 53 is set to rotate by 0.71 degrees, so that the stepping motor is in a state where the driven gear 53 is stopped. By rotating 38 by 10 steps, the first and second action wall portions 54 and 55 abut against the action protrusion 70. That is, when the stepping motor 38 is driven, a direction and a range in which the first and second working wall portions 54 and 55 do not press the working projection 70 (between the pair of working wall portions 54 and 55 and the working projection 70). When the driven gear 53 rotates within a range where the pressing force does not act on (when the stepping motor 38 is rotated forward and backward within 10 steps from the state where the driven gear 53 is stopped so that the liquid crystal display 50 is positioned at the reference position). ), The support member 51 (the liquid crystal display 50) rotates while the rotation-side connector portion 68 is stopped. On the other hand, when the driven gear 53 rotates within a range in which the first working wall 54 or the second working wall 55 presses the working projection 70 when the stepping motor 38 is driven (the liquid crystal display 50 is positioned at the reference position). When the stepping motor 38 is rotated in a certain direction beyond 10 steps from the state where the driven gear 53 is stopped, the support member 51 (the liquid crystal display 50) rotates and the driven gear 53 rotates. Following this, the rotation-side connector portion 68 is also rotated.

(About control mode)
Next, a control mode of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment will be described. When the winning detection switch 11a detects the pachinko ball that has won the start winning device 11, and the winning detection signal is input to the main controller 14, the main controller 14 plays the game at the timing to start the symbol variation game. The aspect of production is determined. The production mode set in the pachinko machine of the embodiment is the normal production of performing the symbol variation game with the liquid crystal display 50 stopped, and the liquid crystal display 50 swinging while performing the symbol variation game on the liquid crystal display 50. The first special effect (first effect) to be performed and the second special effect (second effect) in which the liquid crystal display 50 is rotated more than the first special effect while performing the symbol variation game on the liquid crystal display 50. The main control device 14 selects one effect mode under a predetermined condition (predetermined probability) from the three types of effect modes.

(Regular production)
When the main control device 14 selects a normal effect, the main control device 14 controls an effect pattern preset from the main control device 14 to the overall control device 15 (selected according to a predetermined condition from a plurality of effect patterns set). A signal is transmitted, and a control signal is transmitted from the overall control device 15 to the display control device 16, the lamp control device 18, and the sound control device 19. When the display control device 16 receives the control signal, the display control device 16 transmits the signal to the liquid crystal display 50 so as to perform display in a pattern corresponding to the received control signal. In addition to the transmission of the control signal to the display control device 16, the overall control device 15 transmits a control signal having the same effect pattern to the lamp control device 18 and the sound control device 19. , 19 controls the lighting device 13 to turn on / off and the speaker 75 so as to perform a light emission effect and a sound effect with a pattern according to the control signal received. Since the overall control device 15 does not transmit a control signal to the drive control device 17, the stepping motor 38 is not driven and the liquid crystal display 50 is not rotated.

(About the first special production)
When the main control device 14 selects the first special effect, a control signal is transmitted from the main control device 14 to the overall control device 15, and the overall control device 15 displays the display control device 16, the drive control device 17, and the lamp control device. 18 and the sound control device 19 are transmitted with a control signal having a preset effect pattern. Then, when the display control device 16 receives the control signal, the control signal is transmitted to the liquid crystal display 50 so that display is performed in a pattern according to the received control signal. In addition to the transmission of the control signal to the display control device 16, the overall control device 15 transmits a control signal having the same effect pattern to the drive control device 17, and performs stepping in a pattern corresponding to this control signal. The drive control device 17 transmits a control signal every 4 ms so that the motor 38 operates. At this time, the drive control device 17 does not press the action protrusion 70 with the pair of action wall parts 54, 55 (a pressing force is applied between the pair of action wall parts 54, 55 and the action protrusion 70. The stepping motor 38 is driven and controlled so that the driven gear 53 rotates within a range in which the driven gear 53 does not rotate.

  Specifically, the drive control device 17 rotates the stepping motor 38 in one direction by an arbitrary initial step number S (S ≦ 10) within 10 steps from the first signal reception, for example, FIG. 11 or FIG. The driven gear 53 is rotated clockwise. At this time, since the rotation angle θ1 of the driven gear 53 is θ1 ≦ 7.1 degrees, the operation protrusion 70 is not pressed by the second operation wall portion 55 when the driven gear 53 rotates (FIG. 13). reference). Thereafter, the stepping motor 38 is rotated in the opposite direction by the step number S2 (S2 ≦ 20) which is the initial step number S × 2, and the driven gear 53 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 11 or FIG. At this time, since the rotational angle θ2 of the driven gear 53 is θ2 ≦ 2 × θ1 ≦ (7.1 degrees + θ1), the first working wall portion 54 presses the working protrusion 70 when the driven gear 53 rotates. There is nothing to do (see FIG. 14).

  Thereafter, every time the step number S of the stepping motor 38 becomes S = 2 × the initial step number S, the drive control device 17 is driven and controlled to reverse the rotation direction of the stepping motor 38, and the rotation angle θ ≦ 2. The rotational direction of the driven gear 53 is changed so that xθ1 is obtained, and the action protrusion 70 is not pressed by the pair of action walls 54 and 55. By changing the rotation direction of the driven gear 53, the liquid crystal display 50 swings within a certain range in the first special effect (see FIGS. 16 to 18). As described above, in the first special effect, the liquid crystal display that swings based on the control of the display control device 16 together with the operation effect that swings the liquid crystal display 50 with the rotation-side connector portion 68 stopped. A display effect of performing a symbol variation game is performed on the display 50.

  When ending the first special effect, the drive controller 17 drives the stepping motor 38 to rotate the initial step number S (S ≦ 10) at the timing of reversing the rotation direction of the stepping motor 38. Control. As a result, the liquid crystal display 50 is returned to the reference position, and the action protrusion 70 is located at an intermediate position between the pair of action walls 54 and 55.

(About the second special production)
When the main control device 14 selects the second special effect, a control signal is transmitted from the main control device 14 to the overall control device 15, and the overall control device 15 displays the display control device 16, the drive control device 17, and the lamp control device. 18 and the sound control device 19 are transmitted with a control signal having a preset effect pattern. When the display control device 16 receives the control signal, the control signal is transmitted to the liquid crystal display 50 so as to perform display according to the received control signal. In addition to the transmission of the control signal to the display control device 16, the overall control device 15 transmits a control signal of the same effect pattern to the drive control device 17, and the stepping motor 38 in a pattern corresponding to this control signal. The drive control device 17 transmits a control signal every 4 ms so that is operated. At this time, the drive control device 17 transmits a control signal to the stepping motor 38 so as to rotate in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) step by step.

  Specifically, the drive control device 17 rotates the stepping motor 38 in one direction by an arbitrary number of steps S ′ (S ′> 10) exceeding 10 steps from the first signal reception, for example, FIG. In FIG. 12, the driven gear 53 is rotated clockwise. At this time, since the rotation angle θ3 of the driven gear 53 is θ3> 7.1 degrees, the second operation wall portion 55 presses the operation protrusion 70 when the driven gear 53 rotates (second operation wall portion). A pressing force acts between 55 and the working projection 70 (see FIG. 15). That is, in the second special effect, the rotation-side connector portion 68 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the driven gear 53, and the liquid crystal display 50 rotates more than the first special effect (see FIG. 19). As described above, in the second special effect, the rotation-side connector portion 68 is rotated integrally with the driven gear 53, and the liquid crystal display 50 is rotated together with the operation effect that is largely rotated as compared with the first special effect. A display effect of performing the symbol variation game is performed on the rotating liquid crystal display 50 based on the control of the display control device 16.

  When the liquid crystal display 50 is stopped at the reference position, the stepping motor 38 is rotated 10 steps after the first position detection sensor 25 detects the notch 56a of the position detection piece 56, and then the stepping motor 38 is moved. The drive control device 17 controls the driving so as to reverse the above by 10 steps. That is, after the driven gear 53 is rotated by an extra 7.1 degrees from the posture in which the liquid crystal display 50 is stopped at the reference position, the driven gear 53 is rotated in the opposite direction by 7.1 degrees. The action protrusion 70 is positioned at an intermediate position between the action walls 54 and 55.

(Effects of Example)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment will be described.

  When a pachinko ball launched into the game area 11b of the game board 10 wins the start winning device 11 and is detected by the winning detection switch 11a, a winning detection signal is input to the main control device 14. Then, at the timing of starting the symbol variation game, the main control device 14 determines an effect mode from the normal effect, the first special effect, and the second special effect according to preset conditions. When the main effect is selected by the main control device 14, a control signal is transmitted from the main control device 14 to the overall control device 15, and the overall control device 15 displays the display control device 16, the lamp control device 18, and the sound control device 19. Are transmitted with the same effect pattern control signal. Then, based on the control of the display control device 16, the symbol variation game is started on the liquid crystal display 50, and the lamp control device 18 turns on and off the lighting device 13 at a timing suitable for production on the liquid crystal display 50. The sound control device 19 outputs a sound effect from the speaker 75 to produce an effect. In this way, by transmitting control signals from the overall control device 15 to the display control device 16, the lamp control device 18, and the sound control device 19, a display effect by the liquid crystal display 50, a light emission effect by the illumination device 13, The sound effect production by the speaker 75 can be performed at a timing according to the production content. Since the overall control device 15 does not transmit a control signal to the drive control device 17, the liquid crystal display 50 does not rotate.

  Further, when the first special effect is selected by the main control device 14, a control signal is transmitted from the main control device 14 to the general control device 15, and the display control device 16 and the drive control device are transmitted from the general control device 15. 17, the control signal of the same effect pattern is transmitted to the lamp control device 18 and the sound control device 19. That is, in the first special effect, the display effect by the liquid crystal display 50 and the light emission effect by the illumination device 13 based on the control of the display control device 16, the lamp control device 18 and the sound control device 19 as in the normal effect. Sound effect production by the speaker 75 is performed. Further, in the first special effect, in addition to these effects, an operation effect of the liquid crystal display 50 based on the control of the drive control device 17 is performed.

  That is, the drive control device 17 transmits a control signal (pulse signal) to the stepping motor 38 every 4 ms based on the control signal transmitted from the overall control device 15 to rotate the stepping motor 38 by the initial step number S. The driven gear 53 is rotated by a rotation angle θ1 (θ1 ≦ 7.1 degrees). At this time, the pair of action walls 54 and 55 of the driven gear 53 do not press the action protrusion 70 of the rotation side connector 68 (see FIG. 13), so the rotation side connector 68 follows the rotation of the follower gear 53. Maintain the stop state without doing. Thereafter, the drive control device 17 reverses the rotation direction every time the stepping motor 38 rotates by the number of steps S = 2 × the initial number of steps S (S ≦ 10), and causes the driven gear 53 to rotate at the rotation angle θ2 ( Rotation is performed so that θ2 ≦ 2 × θ1 ≦ (7.1 degrees + θ1), that is, the action protrusion 70 is not pressed by the pair of action walls 54 and 55 (see FIG. 14). Maintains the stopped state without following the rotation of the driven gear 53.

  As described above, in the first special effect, the driven gear 53 is fixed, and the rotation direction of the driven gear 53 (stepping motor 38) is reversed to fix the liquid crystal display. Since the display 50 can be swung, in addition to the effect produced by the display on the liquid crystal display 50, a powerful game effect produced by the operation can be performed. In addition, since the working projection 70 is configured to be separated from the pair of working wall portions 54 and 55, the driven gear 53 is rotated within a range in which the working projection 70 is not pressed by the pair of working wall portions 54 and 55. Even when the driven gear 53 is rotating, the rotation-side connector portion 68 can be stopped. That is, even when the liquid crystal display 50 is swayed to produce an effect, the brush of the rotation-side connector portion 68 does not slide in a narrow range on the annular contact portion of the fixed-side connector portion 61. The contact failure due to the wear of the part and the brush) can be prevented, and the durability of the rotary connector 60 can be improved. Furthermore, since the brush of the rotation-side connector portion 68 does not slide in a narrow range on the annular contact portion of the fixed-side connector portion 61, an effect by swinging the liquid crystal display 50 can be performed at a frequency suitable for the game. There is also an advantage that diversification of modes is achieved.

  In the embodiment, the stepping motor 38 is used as the driving means, so that the rotation of the driven gear 53 can be accurately controlled. That is, by controlling the number of steps of the stepping motor 38, the driven gear 53 can be reliably rotated within a range in which the action protrusion 70 is not pressed by the pair of action walls 54, 55, and the contact ( There is an advantage that it is possible to suitably prevent contact failure due to wear of the annular contact portion and the brush).

  When the main control device 14 selects the second special effect, a control signal is transmitted from the main control device 14 to the overall control device 15, and the overall control device 15 performs an effect according to the received control signal. A control signal of an effect pattern set in advance is transmitted to the display control device 16. When the display control device 16 receives the control signal, it transmits a signal to the liquid crystal display 50 so that the liquid crystal display 50 displays a pattern corresponding to the received control signal. Further, the overall control device 15 transmits a control signal of the same effect pattern to the drive control device 17 in conjunction with the transmission of the control signal to the display control device 16, and the liquid crystal display display 50 according to the display effect. Is controlled to rotate.

  Here, in the second special effect, when a control signal is received from the overall control device 15, the drive control device 17 controls every 4 ms so as to rotate the stepping motor 38 in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). A signal is transmitted to rotate the driven gear 53 so that the rotation angle θ3 (θ3> 7.1 degrees). That is, in the second special effect, the liquid crystal display 50 is rotated more greatly than the first special effect, and a powerful game effect is performed. On the other hand, when the driven gear 53 rotates more than 7.1 degrees, the pair of working walls 54 and 55 press the working protrusion 70 of the rotation-side connector portion 68, and the driven gear 53 rotates. The rotation side connector part 68 rotates so as to follow. At this time, the liquid crystal display 50 and the rotation-side connector portion 68 rotate at the same speed in the same direction as the rotation direction of the driven gear 53, and the relative positional relationship between the liquid crystal display 50 and the rotation-side connector portion 68. Therefore, the signal line 77 connecting the liquid crystal display 50 and the rotation side connector portion 68 is not twisted. For this reason, the liquid crystal display 50 can be continuously rotated in the same direction an arbitrary number of times, and a variety of game effects can be achieved.

  As described above, in the first special effect and the second special effect in the pachinko machine according to the embodiment, the contact due to wear of the rotary connector 60 is prevented while preventing the twist of the signal line 77 when the liquid crystal display 50 is operated. Since the defect can be prevented, the first special effect and the second special effect can be selected at any timing and frequency, so that a variety of game effects can be achieved and the interest of the game can be increased. There are benefits to get.

  Further, in the embodiment, the action protrusion 70 is provided with the second buffer member 72, and the second buffer member 72 is configured to contact the pair of action walls 54, 55. The impact at the time of contact between 54 and 55 and the action projection 70 can be suppressed, and the rotation side connector 68 can be smoothly rotated in accordance with the rotation of the driven gear 53. Further, by suppressing the impact at the time of contact between the action wall portions 54 and 55 and the action protrusion 70, the contact (annular contact portion and brush) of the fixed-side connector portion 61 and the rotation-side connector portion 68 at the time of contact. Since it is possible to prevent an excessive load from being applied, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent problems such as wear and deformation of the contacts (annular contact portion and brush).

  Here, there will be exemplified an effect mode in which an effect produced by display on the liquid crystal display 50 in the pachinko machine of the embodiment and an effect produced by the operation (swing or rotation) of the liquid crystal display 50 are combined. When the first special effect is selected by the main control device 14, an “expectation parameter” that changes the degree of expectation for a big hit according to the operation of a push button (not shown) provided separately in the pachinko machine Is shown on the liquid crystal display 50 (see FIG. 16). Then, a push button (not shown) provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine is operated by the player, and the driven gear 53 is rotated within a range in which the action protrusions 70 are not pressed by the pair of action wall parts 54 and 55. By swinging the display 50 and setting the value of the “expectation parameter” to increase, the player can be actively involved in the game, so that the interest in the game can be increased (FIG. 17). And FIG. 18). Further, when the second special effect is selected by the main control device 14, the ratio of occurrence of the big hit is set high (the numerical value displayed in the “expectedness parameter” is set high), so that the liquid crystal display The expectation that 50 will rotate increases and the interest of the game is increased (see FIG. 19). That is, in addition to the normal performance, the player can be interested in the performance by combining the first special performance and the second special performance so that they appear with an appropriate probability. Further, since the position detection sensors 25, 26, 27, and 28 are arranged at four positions spaced apart at equal intervals in the rotation direction of the support member 51 in the main body 22, the liquid crystal display 50 is displayed at the time of the second special effect. However, it is possible to produce an effect that stops at positions rotated 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees with respect to the reference position.

  In the state in which the position detection sensors 25, 26, 27, and 28 detect the notch portion 56 a of the position detection piece 56, the first heat radiation hole 22 c of the main body 22 and the second heat radiation hole 57 of the support member 51 are used. Are aligned, the heat of the liquid crystal display 50 can be efficiently released to the outside, and abnormal operation due to heat can be prevented. In particular, during operation of the pachinko machine, the liquid crystal display 50 is held at the reference position for the longest time. Therefore, in a state where the liquid crystal display 50 is at the reference position, that is, in a state where the first position detection sensor 25 detects the notch portion 56a of the position detection piece 56, the first heat radiating hole 22c and the second heat radiating hole 57 are aligned forward and backward. By doing so, heat of the liquid crystal display 50 can be efficiently released to the outside, and abnormal operation due to heat can be prevented. Similarly, although the amount of heat generation is expected to increase after the liquid crystal display 50 is operated in the first and second special effects, the liquid crystal display 50 is brought to the reference position after the first and second special effects. By stopping, smooth heat dissipation is possible.

  By the way, when the liquid crystal display 50 is stopped at the reference position after the first and second special effects are finished, the stepping motor 38 is turned on when the first position detection sensor 25 detects the notch 56a of the position detection piece 56. When the drive is stopped as it is, the action protrusion 70 is brought into contact with one of the pair of action walls 54 and 55. Specifically, one of the point A and the point A ′ of the pair of action wall portions 54 and 55 is in contact with the corresponding point B or point B ′ of the action protrusion 70. In this state, when the liquid crystal display 50 is to be operated while the rotation-side connector portion 68 is held in a stopped state, the first or second action wall portions 54 and 55 that are in contact with the action protrusion 70. Needs to rotate the driven gear 53 in a direction away from the action protrusion 70. That is, the liquid crystal display 50 rotates in one direction from the reference position, then rotates in the opposite direction, returns to the reference position, and then repeats the operation of reversing the rotation direction (the reference position becomes the folding position). The operation of the liquid crystal display 50 becomes unbalanced, which may give the player a sense of discomfort.

  Therefore, in the embodiment, when the liquid crystal display 50 is stopped at the reference position after the first and second special effects are finished, the driven gear 53 is only 7.1 degrees from the posture in which the liquid crystal display 50 is at the reference position. The drive control device 17 controls the stepping motor 38 so that it rotates excessively and then the driven gear 53 rotates in the opposite direction by 7.1 degrees. That is, in the state where the liquid crystal display 50 is stopped at the reference position, the action protrusion 70 is located at an intermediate position between the pair of action walls 54 and 55, and therefore the driven gear 53 is rotated in any direction. However, the action protrusions 70 are not pressed by the action wall parts 54 and 55. Therefore, even when the first special effect is performed after the liquid crystal display 50 is operated, the liquid crystal display 50 can be swung around the reference position, so that the player feels uncomfortable. There is no.

  In addition, when the stepping motor 38 is driven when the liquid crystal display 50 is operated (rotated or swung), it is also conceivable that fine vibration generated during driving propagates to the rotary connector 60 and induces resonance. Here, a partition wall is formed between the annular contact portions of the fixed connector portion 61 of the rotary connector 60 so that the brush of the rotary connector portion 68 contacts only the corresponding annular contact portion. Therefore, when the rotary connector 60 resonates, the brush comes into contact with the partition wall, and the deformation of the brush or the generation of wear marks on the partition wall may occur. When the brush is deformed, the brush is separated from the annular contact portion when the connector portion is rotated, and a normal contact cannot be obtained. As a result, unintended contents are displayed on the liquid crystal display 50, or the display is distorted. May occur. In addition, when wear marks are generated on the partition wall, the brush is caught when the rotation-side connector portion 68 is rotated, so that smooth rotation is hindered. Further, deformation of the hooked brush portion is caused and normal contact cannot be obtained. It is also possible.

  Therefore, in the embodiment, the first buffer members 66, 66, 66 are attached to the mounting holes 63, 63, 63 provided in the fixed connector portion 61, and the first protective member 47 and the second protective member 48 are attached. The first buffer members 66, 66, 66 are sandwiched between the protective members 47, 48 when assembled. That is, since the rotary connector 60 (fixed side connector portion 61) is held in a state of being separated from the first and second protection members 47 and 48, the slight vibration generated when the stepping motor 38 is driven and stopped is the first. Absorption by the buffer members 66, 66, 66 can be prevented from propagating to the rotary connector 60. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the rotary connector 60 from resonating due to minute vibrations generated when the stepping motor 38 is driven and stopped. Therefore, the contact (annular contact) between the fixed-side connector portion 61 and the rotary-side connector portion 68 is prevented. And the durability of the rotary connector 60 can be improved. Further, the rotary connector 60 (fixed side connector portion 61) is separated from the first and second protective members 47 and 48 with the first buffer member 66 interposed therebetween, so that the stepping motor 38 is driven and stopped. The first buffer member is not limited to the minute vibration at the time, but the vibration generated in the pachinko machine, such as the vibration generated when the pachinko ball is supplied to the pachinko machine or when the player hits the pachinko machine, etc. 66 can be absorbed. In this way, by sandwiching the rotary connector 60 via the first buffer member 66, durability of the rotary connector 60 against vibration can be improved.

  In addition, even if it comprises so that a buffer member may be arrange | positioned separately between the said fixed side connector part 61 and the 1st protective member 47, and between the said fixed side connector part 61 and the 2nd protective member 48, Although it is possible to protect the rotary connector 60 from the vibration described above, there is a problem in that the assembly work becomes complicated and the cost increases due to an increase in the number of parts. Therefore, in the embodiment, each first buffer member 66 is configured to protrude forward and backward of the fixed connector 61 when the first buffer member 66 is mounted in the mounting hole 63 of the fixed connector 61. Since the first buffer member 66 is sandwiched between the two protective members 47 and 48, the assembly work can be facilitated as compared with the configuration in which the first buffer member 66 is disposed between the members 47, 48 and 61 individually. In addition, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, the mounting piece portions 62, 62 of the fixed-side connector portion 61 are formed with protruding portions 62a protruding inward of the mounting holes 63, and the first buffer member 66 has the protruding shapes. An annular recess 66b that fits into the portion 62a is formed, and the protrusion 62a and the annular recess 66b are fitted when the first buffer member 66 is attached to the attachment hole 63. Therefore, the first buffer member 66 can be positioned at a predetermined position in the mounting hole 63, and the fixed-side connector portion 61 (rotary connector 60) is displaced due to vibration, so that the first and second protective members Since it does not contact 47 and 48, the rotation connector 60 can be reliably protected from various vibrations.

  Note that the signal line 78 from the display control device 16 is inserted into the opening 49 that opens upward when the first protective member 47 and the second protective member 48 are assembled, and the fixed side. By being configured to be connected to the connector portion 61, the overall longitudinal dimension of the rotary display device 20 can be reduced as compared with the case where the opening portion 49 is opened to the rear of the second protective member 48. . In other words, by reducing the size of the front and rear of the rotary display device 20, when the pachinko machine is installed on the installation base of the game shop, the pachinko machine and game equipment adjacent to the back side and the rotary display device 20 are Interference can be prevented.

  By the way, the pachinko machine is installed in the game hall in a slightly backward tilted posture (that is, a posture in which the display surface of the liquid crystal display 50 is slightly upward), so that the rotary shaft portion 52 is viewed from the liquid crystal display 50. A force acts in a direction in which the lower part of the liquid crystal display 50 (supporting member 51) is close to the main body 22 due to the weight of the liquid crystal display 50 or the centrifugal force acting at the time of rotation. To do. For this reason, the load applied to the rotary shaft portion 52 and the first and second bearings 35 and 36 may increase, and damage such as wear of the rotary shaft portion 52 may occur.

  Therefore, in the embodiment, when the support member 51 is rotatably attached to the main body portion 22, the three rolling members 30 disposed on the main body portion 22 abut on the back surface 51 a of the support member 51 and are supported. Therefore, even if a force acts in a direction in which the liquid crystal display 50 (support member 51) is close to the main body 22 side, the support member 51 is supported by the rolling member 30, and the rotary shaft 52 or The load applied to the bearings 35 and 36 can be reduced. Further, since the rolling member 30 is disposed in the main body portion 22 so as to rotate in the rotation direction of the support member 51 (the tangential direction of the rotation locus drawn by the support member 51), the support member 51 is rotated. When this occurs, the rolling member 30 rotates following the rotation of the support member 51. That is, even when the rolling member 30 is in contact with the back surface 51a of the support member 51, the support member 51 can be smoothly rotated, and the liquid crystal display during the first special effect and the second special effect is provided. The operation (swing or rotation) of the display 50 is not hindered.

  In addition, since the rolling member 30 is provided at three positions located at equal intervals (positions separated by 120 degrees) around the rotation shaft portion 52, even when the support member 51 is shaken during rotation, The rolling member 30 can reliably support it. In particular, since the force acts in the direction in which the lower part of the support member 51 approaches the main body part 22 due to the weight of the liquid crystal display 50, the centrifugal force acting at the time of rotation, etc., the lower part of the support member 51 is the main body part. 22 is easy to contact. In the embodiment, since the rolling members 30 are disposed at two positions below the rotary shaft portion 52, the portion of the support member 51 positioned below the rotary shaft portion 52 can be stably supported. . Moreover, since the elastic ring 33 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the roller part 31 in the rolling member 30, it is possible to prevent the supporting member 51 that rotates while contacting the rolling member 30 from being damaged.

In the embodiment, the rolling member 30 can be rotated by closing the opening of the support member with the cover member 34 in a state where the support shaft 32 is inserted into the support recess 24 provided in the body portion 22. Therefore, when the elastic ring 33 is damaged such as wear or deterioration, the rolling member 30 can be easily replaced simply by removing the cover member 34. In addition, since the rolling member 30 includes the roller portion 31, the support shaft 32, and the elastic ring 33, only the damaged members 31, 32, and 33 can be replaced, thereby reducing cost and waste. There is a measurable advantage.

[Example of change]
Note that the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, in the embodiment, the first buffer members are disposed at the three positions of the fixed-side connector portion of the rotary connector, but it is naturally possible to arrange four or more first buffer members. is there. Further, the shape of the first buffer member is not limited to that of the embodiment, and the rotary connector is interposed between the first protective member and the second protective member so that the first and second rotary connectors are interposed. As long as it can be held in a state of being separated from the protective member, the fixed connector portion may be sandwiched. Moreover, it is also possible to attach a 1st buffer member separately between the said fixed side connector part and a 1st protective member, and between the said fixed side connector part and a 2nd protective member.

  In the embodiment, the rolling member is arranged in the main body so as to come into contact with the back surface of the support member. However, when the support member is stopped, the rolling member may be provided so as to be separated from the back surface of the support member. Good. That is, when the positional relationship between the rotating shaft portion and the bearing member is in an appropriate state, the support member does not come into contact with the rolling member, and the rolling member is inclined when the supporting member is tilted during operation (swinging or rotating). By supporting the back surface of the support member, unnecessary resistance is not generated in the rotation of the support member, and the support member can be smoothly rotated. On the other hand, when the support member is inclined during rotation, the rolling member contacts the support member and supports the support member, so that the load applied to the rotating shaft portion and the bearing member can be reduced and the support member can be rotated. In addition, the rolling member also rotates, so that the rotation of the support member is not hindered.

  In the embodiment, the rolling members are arranged at three positions located at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the rotating shaft portion, but the invention is not limited to this. That is, any number of rolling members of one or more may be provided in the main body, and even when a plurality of rolling members are provided, it is not necessary to provide the rolling members at equal intervals. Here, as described above, the pachinko machine provided with the game board is installed in the game hall in a slightly backward tilted posture (that is, a posture in which the display surface of the symbol display device faces upward). Is inclined downward as viewed from the symbol display device. For this reason, due to the weight of the symbol display device, the centrifugal force acting at the time of rotation, etc., the portion of the symbol display device (supporting member) located below the rotation shaft portion is inclined so as to be close to the main body portion side. Therefore, if one or more rolling members are disposed at a position below the rotation shaft in the main body, the support member can be reliably supported by the rolling member.

  In the embodiment, the rolling member is formed in a cylindrical shape, and an elastic member is provided at a contact portion with the support member. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the elastic member is not provided. It is also possible. Further, the shape and configuration of the rolling member are not limited to those in the embodiment, and may be formed in, for example, a spherical shape. If the shape and configuration can rotate in the tangential direction of the rotation locus drawn by the support member, Similar effects can be obtained.

  In the embodiment, the pair of first action portions are provided on the rotary connecting member in a wall shape, and the projection-like second action portion is disposed between the pair of first action portions. However, the shape and configuration can be arbitrarily changed as long as the first action part and the second action part can be brought into contact with and separated from each other when the rotation connecting member is rotated forward and backward. Accordingly, in the embodiment, the pair of first action portions are formed on the rotation connecting member, and the second action portion is formed on the rotation side connector portion. However, the rotation side connector portion is provided on one of the rotation side connector portion and the rotation connection member. A pair of first action portions are provided so as to be spaced apart in the rotation direction of the (rotation linking member), and the rotation side connector faces the other side of the rotation side connector portion and the rotation linking member between the pair of first action portions. It is also possible to provide a second action part that is separated from the first action part in at least one direction of rotation of the part.

  Moreover, not only the structure which provides a pair of 1st action part spaced apart in the rotation direction of a rotation side connector part (rotation connection member) like an Example but it is made to provide one 1st action part. Also good. Also in this case, as in the embodiment, the rotation connecting member that rotates together with the symbol display device and the rotation side connector portion of the rotary connector rotate integrally by the contact between the first action portion and the second action portion. Therefore, twisting of the signal line connecting the symbol display device and the control device can be prevented. On the other hand, when the rotation connecting member rotates in a direction in which the first action part does not contact the second action part, the symbol display device can be rotated along with the rotation of the rotation connection member. Since it does not rotate, it is possible to prevent wear at the contact portion between the fixed connector portion and the rotary connector portion of the rotary connector.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the positional relationship between the pair of first action parts shown in the embodiment and the second action part that faces between the pair of first action parts is an example, and is not limited thereto. Yes. That is, in the embodiment, the central angle ∠AOB formed by the point A of the first action part (first action wall part 54) and the point B of the second action part (action protrusion 70), and the first action part ( The central angle ∠AOB = the central angle ∠A between the point A ′ of the second action wall 55) and the point B ′ of the second action part (action protrusion 70) is expressed as follows. “OB” is set to be 7.1 degrees, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the symbol display device can be operated with the rotation-side connector portion stopped while the rotation angle and the rotation-side connector portion at the time of effect by the swing of the symbol display device are stopped. The central angle ∠AOB and the central angle ∠A′OB ′ may be set in accordance with the twist that the signal line can tolerate when rotated. That is, by increasing the central angle ∠AOB and the central angle ∠A'OB ', the symbol display device can be swung more greatly while the rotation side connector portion is stopped, while the twist of the signal line is increased. . Further, in the embodiment, in the state where the rotation linking member is stopped, the second action portion is set to be positioned at an intermediate position between the pair of first action portions. The central angle ∠AOB may be changed so that the point A ′ of the action part (for example, the second action wall part 55) and the point B ′ of the second action part (action protrusion 70) abut.

  In addition, in an Example, at the time of a 1st production (at the time of a 1st special production), the maximum range (namely, point A of a pair of 1st action part) which does not press a 2nd action part with a pair of 1st action part. And the point A ′ is configured such that the rotation connecting member rotates within a range in which the point A ′ contacts the point B and the point B ′ of the corresponding second action part), but the second action part is composed of a pair of first action parts. The rotation connecting member may be rotated in a range where the pressure is not pressed (that is, a range where the point A and the point A ′ of the pair of first action parts do not contact the point B and the point B ′ of the corresponding second action part). Good. As described above, when the rotation connecting member is rotated and the second action part is relatively moved between the pair of first action parts, the pair of the first action part and the second action part are interposed. By making the gap always exist, it is possible to prevent the second action part from being pressed by the first action part even when the rotation connecting member is rotated largely by a predetermined value or more due to inertial force or the like. There is an advantage that the rotary connector can be more reliably protected.

  In the embodiment, the stepping motor is used as the driving means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a driving means capable of controlling the rotation angle such as a servo motor can be preferably used. Further, the step angle when the stepping motor is employed as the driving means is not limited to that of the embodiment, and can be changed as necessary.

  In the embodiment, the rotation linking member (linking means) is configured to be coaxially attached to the rotation shaft portion of the support member, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the support member can be rotated when the driving means is driven. For example, it can be provided at an arbitrary position. Further, although a gear is employed as the rotation connecting member, a crank mechanism, a conventionally known link mechanism, and other configurations can be employed as long as the support member can be rotated.

  In the embodiment, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be adopted in a gaming machine such as a slot machine machine, an arrange ball machine, a sparrow ball machine, and the like. Any gaming machine that is configured to electrically connect a freely arranged symbol display device and a control device that electrically controls the symbol display device via a rotary connector. There may be.

In addition, the following structure can also be added to the rotation connection structure of the rotation connector in the gaming machine according to the present invention.
(A) With respect to the rotary connection structure of the rotary connector in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the contact portion between the first action part (54, 55) and the second action part (70) The buffer member (72) is interposed.
Thus, by interposing the buffer member at the contact portion between the first action part and the second action part, the impact at the time of contact between the first action part and the second action part when the rotary connecting member is rotated can be reduced. Can be suppressed.

It is a front view which shows the game board of the pachinko machine which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship between each control apparatus which concerns on an Example, and a control object member. It is a disassembled perspective view of the rotary display apparatus which concerns on an Example. It is a side view which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the rotary display apparatus which concerns on an Example, and is shown partially in outline. It is a front view which shows the main-body part which concerns on an Example. It is a principal part expansion perspective view which shows the relationship between the main-body part which concerns on an Example, a rolling member, and a 1st position detection sensor. It is a perspective view which shows the protective case which concerns on an Example. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles the protective case which concerns on an Example, and shows the 1st protective member, the 2nd protective member, a driven gear, and a rotation connector relationship. It is a perspective view which shows the relationship between the supporting member which concerns on an Example, and a stepping motor in the state seen from the back side. It is a perspective view which shows the rotation connector which concerns on an Example, Comprising: It shows in the state which removed the 1st and 2nd buffer member. It is a rear view which shows roughly the relationship between the driven gear which concerns on an Example, and a rotation side connector part. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. 11, Comprising: The state which an action | operation protrusion is located in the intermediate position of a pair of action wall part in a driven gear is shown. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. 11, Comprising: The state which rotated the driven gear to one direction in the range which does not press an action | operation protrusion by a pair of action wall part is shown. FIG. 14 shows a state in which the driven gear is rotated in the opposite direction from the state shown in FIG. 13 and the driven gear is rotated in one direction within a range in which the pair of action wall portions do not press the action protrusion. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. 11, Comprising: The state which rotated the driven gear to one direction so that an action protrusion part may be pressed with a pair of action wall part is shown. It is a front view which shows roughly the relationship between the liquid crystal display which concerns on an Example, a driven gear, and a rotation side connector part, Comprising: The state which has a liquid crystal display in a reference position is shown. It is a front view which shows the state which rotated the liquid crystal display clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 16 in the range which does not press an action | operation protrusion by a pair of action wall part. It is a front view which shows the state which rotated the liquid crystal display counterclockwise in the range which does not press an action protrusion by a pair of action wall part from the state shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows the state which pressed the action protrusion by the 1st action wall part from the state shown in FIG. 16, and rotated the liquid crystal display clockwise.

Explanation of symbols

16 Display control device (control device)
38 Stepping motor (drive means)
50 Liquid crystal display (design display device)
60 Rotating connector 53 First rotating connecting member (Rotating connecting member)
53b Insertion hole (through hole)
54 1st action wall part (1st action part)
55 Second action wall (first action part)
61 Fixed-side connector portion 68 Rotating-side connector portion 70 Action protrusion (second action portion)

Claims (3)

A rotary connector having a fixed-side connector portion and a rotary-side connector portion that can rotate while maintaining a contact point between the fixed-side connector portion is provided. In the gaming machine configured to connect the symbol display device to the connector portion and electrically connect the symbol display device and the control device,
A rotation linking member that is rotatably provided on the same axis as the rotation-side connector portion, and that links the symbol display device and the driving means to rotate the symbol display device when the driving means is driven;
A first action portion provided on one of the rotation side connector portion and the rotation connecting member;
The rotation-side connector part and the rotation interlocking member member provided with the first acting portion in is provided another member, rotating interlocking member to rotate the first acting portion abuts in one direction, rotation cooperative A second action part that is separated from the first action part by rotating the member in the other direction;
The rotation-side connector portion is rotated by rotating the rotation connecting member in a direction in which the first action portion and the second action portion are in contact with each other,
The symbol display device can be rotated in a state in which the rotation of the rotation-side connector portion is stopped by rotating the rotation connecting member in a direction in which the first action portion and the second action portion are separated from each other. A rotating connection structure of rotating connectors in a gaming machine characterized by the above. A rotary connector having a fixed-side connector portion and a rotary-side connector portion that can rotate while maintaining a contact point between the fixed-side connector portion is provided. In the gaming machine configured to connect the symbol display device to the connector portion and electrically connect the symbol display device and the control device,
A rotation linking member that is rotatably provided on the same axis as the rotation-side connector portion, and that links the symbol display device and the driving means to rotate the symbol display device when the driving means is driven;
A pair of first action portions provided on one of the rotation-side connector portion and the rotation-linking member, and spaced apart in the rotation direction of the rotation-side connector portion ;
The rotation side connector part and the rotation connecting member are provided on a member different from the member provided with the first action part, and face between the pair of first action parts so as to be separated from at least one first action part, A second action part that integrally rotates the rotation linkage member and the rotation-side connector part by a relative pressing force acting with the first action part during rotation of the rotation linkage member;
The symbol display device in a state in which the rotation-side connector portion is stopped by rotating the rotation connecting member within a range in which a pressing force is not relatively applied between the pair of first action portions and second action portions. A structure for rotating a rotary connector in a gaming machine, characterized in that the rotary connector can be rotated.   The rotation linking member is provided so as to be rotatable about the axis of the symbol display device, and a through hole extending on the rotation axis of the symbol display device is provided, and the symbol display device is provided in the through hole. 3. A rotary connection structure for a rotary connector in a gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a signal line connecting the rotary connector and the rotary connector is inserted.

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