JP5017401B2 - Firing handle - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a launch handle of a gaming machine.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a launching handle for launching a game ball into the gaming area is provided on the right side of the gaming housing constituting the gaming machine, and the player operates the launching handle with the right hand. This adjusts the launch strength of the game ball. When a game ball enters the start winning opening in the game area, a lottery is performed, and symbol variation for displaying the lottery result starts. When the lottery result is a win, a jackpot game that is in a gaming state advantageous to the player starts, and the player can acquire more prize balls.

  Here, in the display of the symbol variation, a reach effect is made so as to expect the start of the jackpot game. In a recent gaming machine, when a player is instructed to operate an operation button during a reach effect, and the operation button is operated, for example, an effect such as a character having a conversation showing a big hit expectation is performed. Such operation buttons are provided at various positions such as the left side, the central part, and the right side of the game housing, for example, but since the launch handle is provided on the right side of the game housing, the player operates with the left hand. Operate the button.

  However, the player smokes, eats and drinks, moves between the upper and lower plates of the game ball, and the like with the left hand not operating the launch handle. Therefore, even if an operation button operation instruction is received from the gaming machine, the player may not be able to operate the operation button. In addition, since a period during which the operation button can be operated in response to the operation instruction of the operation button is limited, the player needs to operate the operation button immediately in response to the operation instruction. However, when the left hand is occupied as described above, the player cannot operate the operation buttons immediately, and therefore, it is disadvantageous to the player, such as being unable to enjoy a separate effect associated with the operation of the operation buttons. Has occurred.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a firing handle that can improve the operability of the operation buttons.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention 1 is a launching handle for launching a game ball into a gaming area of a gaming machine, wherein a handle base fixed to the gaming machine and a front part of the launching handle are covered. A rotation cover provided between the handle cover and the handle base and the front cover so as to be rotatable and capable of adjusting the launch intensity of the game ball according to the amount of rotation; and provided on the front cover. , Accepting an operation from the player in response to an operation request effect that requires the player to perform an operation, and / or selecting one of a plurality of options for adjusting the state of the effect including the operation request effect An operation button for receiving an operation from a player is provided.

  The operation request effect that requests the player to perform an operation includes an effect for encouraging participation in a reach effect, a notice effect, or the like, which is performed during a symbol change display. A plurality of options for adjusting the state of the effect include, for example, an option capable of switching the effect BGM, an option capable of switching the display size and display angle of the effect, and a desired effect selected from the plurality of effects. Possible options are listed. The function capable of selecting one of a plurality of options may be used in combination with the above-described effect of prompting participation in the notice effect, or may be executed independently.

  According to this structure, since the operation button for receiving the operation from the player in relation to the production is provided on the front cover of the launching handle, the operation of the rotation operation unit and the operation related to the above production are performed. It can be completed with the hand on the side holding the firing handle, and is excellent in operability. Specifically, while playing a game, move the game ball between the upper plate and the lower plate, smoke a cigarette, eat and drink with the hand opposite to the hand holding the launch handle. However, even if the opposite hand is blocked in this way, with this structure, the operation button can be operated immediately and easily with the hand holding the firing handle. In particular, in the operation request effect that requires the player to perform an operation, when the period from the start of the operation request effect until the operation button is operated is limited to a predetermined time, When the production is changed depending on the operation timing until the operation is performed, an immediate operation of the operation button is required. Even in such a case, it is possible to immediately operate the operation button provided on the front cover by using the hand on the side already in the operation state by holding the firing handle.

  The production includes video, sound, vibration and the like, and the operation request production may be performed not only with video but also with sound and vibration.

  A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the first aspect of the present invention, the front cover further includes a rotation direction regulating mechanism that regulates the rotation of the rotation operation unit by pressing the front cover toward the main body of the gaming machine.

  When operating the operation button provided on the firing handle, it is difficult to fix the rotation operation unit by operating the operation button. For example, the player attaches his / her finger to the rotation operation unit and rotates it by a desired rotation amount to fire a game ball to the game area with a desired launch intensity. At this time, the player fixes his / her finger and wrist, etc., and maintains the desired rotation amount and fixes the rotation operation unit. However, for example, when the player operates the operation button according to the operation request effect, the positions of the finger and the wrist that fix the rotation operation unit are shifted, so that the rotation is shifted from a desired rotation amount. On the other hand, the operation button cannot be operated immediately even if the operation request effect is performed because the player concentrates on fixing the rotation operation unit.

  According to the above rotation direction regulating mechanism, the rotation of the rotation operation unit can be regulated by pressing the front cover of the firing handle. That is, in order to fix the rotation operation unit to a desired rotation amount, it is not necessary to maintain the finger and the wrist with the desired rotation amount, and it is only necessary to press the front cover. Therefore, the player can easily and immediately operate the operation buttons while easily maintaining the rotation operation unit at a desired rotation amount.

  In addition, the rotation operation unit can be fixed not only by supporting the rotation operation unit itself, but also by pressing the front cover, which increases the degree of freedom of the player with respect to fixing the rotation operation unit. An effect can also be obtained. Further, as described above, since the player fixes the rotation operation unit so as to maintain a desired rotation amount, the player is likely to feel fatigue in the finger, wrist, arm, and the like. In such a case, if the rotation operation unit can be fixed also by pressing the front cover, the operability of the launch handle is further improved, for example, the player can be tired.

  The controlled rotation may include at least rotation in the initial position direction in which the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit is zero, and may include rotation in the final position direction in which the rotation amount is maximum. .

  Invention 3 is the invention 2, wherein the rotation direction restriction mechanism has a restriction shaft that receives the pressure of the front cover, and a restriction bearing portion that houses the restriction shaft therein, and the front portion According to the pressing of the cover, the restriction shaft comes into contact with the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion, whereby the turning of the turning operation portion toward the initial position is restricted.

  Examples of the restriction bearing portion include a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch has, for example, a hollow cylindrical shape, and a plurality of rollers are provided facing the inner wall. The plurality of rollers can rotate only in one direction, and the rotation in the other direction is restricted by the rollers engaging with a locking portion provided facing the rollers, for example. When the restriction shaft is inserted into the cylindrical one-way clutch and the roller receives a force in the direction in which the rotation is restricted from the restriction shaft, the rotation of the roller is restricted and the rotation of the restriction shaft is also restricted.

  In the launch handle, specifically, the restriction bearing portion is fixed to the turning operation portion, and rotates with the turning of the turning operation portion. When the rotation operation portion has a predetermined rotation amount, when the restriction shaft comes into contact with the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion by pressing the front cover, the restriction bearing portion is restricted from rotating in the direction of the initial position, and thus turns. The rotation of the operation unit is restricted. With such a simple configuration, the rotation operation unit can be restricted from rotating in the initial position direction.

  Further, the restriction shaft is stored in the restriction bearing portion in advance, and the rotation of the turning operation portion is restricted only by pressing the front cover so that the outer surface of the restriction shaft contacts the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion. be able to. Therefore, when the rotation operation unit is fixed, the distance by which the player pushes down the front cover is short, the player does not need to perform a large operation, and the operability of the launch handle can be improved. Further, the operation of the operation buttons and the like can be prevented from being hindered by a large operation of the front cover.

  Further, when the restriction shaft is stored in the restriction bearing portion in advance, the outer surface of the restriction shaft can be brought into contact with the restriction bearing portion only by slightly operating the front cover as described above, and the rotation is restricted. You can get great power for. Therefore, the rotation of the rotation operation unit can be reliably restricted by performing a slight pressing on the front cover.

The invention 4 is the invention 3, wherein the turning direction restricting mechanism further includes a turning restricting boss provided on the front cover and pressing the restricting shaft in response to the pressing of the front cover.
The restriction shaft has a plurality of member pieces, and an elastic member that connects the plurality of member pieces to each other,
By the pressing of the front cover, at least a part of the rotation restricting boss is inserted between the plurality of member pieces, and the plurality of member pieces come into contact with the inner wall of the restricting bearing portion, whereby the rotation is performed. The operation unit is restricted from rotating in the direction of the initial position.

  The distance to push down the front cover necessary for restricting the rotation of the rotation operation unit is such that the rotation restricting boss widens the interval between the plurality of member pieces constituting the restricting shaft, and the outer surface of the member piece. May be the distance that contacts the inner wall of the regulating bearing. Here, the restriction shaft is inserted in the restriction bearing portion in advance, and the distance necessary for bringing the outer surface of the member piece into contact with the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion can be designed to be short. Therefore, the rotation of the rotation operation unit in the direction of the initial position can be reliably restricted by a slight depression of the front cover.

  The distance of pushing down the front cover can be set short by the following design, for example. In a state where the rotation restricting boss is not inserted between the member pieces, the distance between the outer surface of the member piece and the inner wall of the restricting bearing portion is designed to be short, and the outer surface of the member piece is brought into contact with the inner wall of the restricting bearing portion. Therefore, the distance between the member piece and the rotation restricting boss, which is a necessary moving distance, is designed to be short.

  When the pressing of the front cover is released and the rotation restricting boss is extracted from between the member pieces, the interval between the member pieces is restored to the original state by the elastic member. Therefore, the contact between the member piece and the restriction bearing portion is released, and the restriction on the rotation of the rotation operation portion is released.

  The elastic member is not particularly limited as long as it has elasticity. For example, the elastic member may be a spring that connects a plurality of member pieces in a compressed state or an expanded state, or may be elastic rubber or the like. .

  In addition, you may comprise as follows instead of comprising a control axis | shaft by each combination of a some member piece and an elastic member. For example, the restriction shaft may have a configuration in which a plurality of member pieces are integrally formed, and a connection portion between the plurality of member pieces is formed thin so that the connection portion has elasticity.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the rotation operation portion is provided with at least one finger hook portion, and the operation button is moved from an initial position before rotation of the rotation operation portion. With respect to the turning direction in which the turning amount increases, the finger-holding portion located at the rearmost end portion is positioned between the first position before turning and the second position when the turning amount is maximum. It is provided in.

  Since the finger hanging portion is provided in the rotation operation portion, the position with respect to the rotation center changes with the rotation of the rotation operation portion. The finger hooking portion is provided at the rearmost end with respect to the turning direction in which the turning amount of the turning operation portion is increased. In addition, when the turning operation unit is located at the initial position, the finger hanging unit is provided with a launch handle in a direction along the bottom side of the gaming machine, for example, with respect to the center line of the gaming machine intersecting with the bottom side. It is formed to protrude on the opposite side to the side. When the rotation operation unit is located at the initial position, the player usually rotates the rotation operation unit by rotating the wrist with a thumb attached to the finger-hanging unit. In this case, since the operation button is provided between the first position and the second position of the finger-hanging portion as described above, the operation button is located in the vicinity of the thumb, and the operation button can be easily operated with the thumb. can do. Here, the first position is the position of the finger hanging portion when the turning operation portion is at the initial position, and the second position is the position of the finger hanging portion when the turning operation portion is located at the final position.

  In addition, since the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit increases as the rotation operation unit moves from the initial position to the final position, the player usually changes the rotation operation unit and attaches an index finger or the like to the finger-hanging unit. In this case, since the operation button is provided between the first position and the second position of the finger hanging portion as described above, the player presses the operation button with a finger such as a thumb not attached to the finger hanging portion. Easy to operate.

  As described above, by providing the operation button at the above position, the operation button can be easily operated before or after the rotation operation unit is changed.

  A sixth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the operation button is configured to be operable in at least one of an up / down direction, a left / right direction, and a push-down direction.

  According to such an operation button, the object displayed in the production can be moved up and down and left and right. When a plurality of options are displayed, the player can select one of the options by moving the operation button up / down / left / right. Further, when the player pushes down the operation button, for example, selection of options, shooting operation, continuous hitting operation, and the like can be performed.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein at least one finger-hanging portion is provided in the rotation operation portion, and the launching of the game ball to the game area is stopped on the handle base. A first firing stop button and a second firing stop button are provided, and the first firing stop button is a turn whose rotation amount increases from an initial position before turning of the turning operation unit. When the second firing stop button has the maximum amount of rotation, the finger hanging portion located at the rearmost end of the moving direction is disposed corresponding to or adjacent to the first position before the rotation. It is arranged corresponding to or adjacent to the second position of the finger-hanging part.

  When the rotation operation unit is located at the initial position, the player usually rotates the rotation operation unit by rotating the wrist with a thumb attached to the finger-hanging unit. When the rotation operation unit is slightly rotated and fixed at a desired position, the player uses the first firing stop button provided corresponding to or adjacent to the finger-holding unit at the first position, for example, using the thumb. Can be operated. Here, when the player operates the operation button using the thumb, the second firing stop button provided at a position different from the first firing stop button is operated with a finger other than the thumb. Can stop the launch of the game ball.

  Further, as the rotation operation unit moves from the initial position to the final position, the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit increases and the rotation amount of the wrist also increases. Therefore, unless the rotation operation unit is changed, the first firing stop button is used. For example, it is difficult to operate with a thumb. Even in such a case, the player can easily stop the launch of the game ball by operating the second launch stop button with a finger other than the thumb.

  For example, the second launch stop button is provided on the substantially opposite side of the first launch stop button with respect to the pivot center of the pivot operation unit.

  With the configuration described above, it is possible to provide a firing handle that can improve the operability of the operation buttons.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment. Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a pachinko machine (A) is a front perspective view of a firing handle, (b) is a rear perspective view of the firing handle. The disassembled perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the firing handle into three, a front cover, a rotation operation part, and a handle base. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation state of the rotation operation part in case rotation amount is smaller than the maximum rotation amount. (A) is a front view of a firing handle, (b) is a side view of the firing handle, and (c) is a rear view of the firing handle. (A) is a front view of a firing handle, (b) is a side view of the firing handle, and (c) is a rear view of the firing handle. Side view of firing handle. The disassembled perspective view which shows the internal structure around an operation button. The exploded perspective view of a handle base. The front view of a handle base. The exploded perspective view of each part of a launching handle. The front view of A part of FIG. The exploded sectional view of each part of a launching handle. Explanatory drawing which shows the state by which rotation of a rotation operation part is not controlled. Explanatory drawing which shows the state by which the rotation of a rotation operation part is controlled. (A) is an enlarged view showing a state before the rotation of the rotation operation unit is restricted, (b) is an enlarged view showing a state after the rotation of the rotation operation unit is restricted. Sectional drawing which shows an example of the control bearing part which consists of a one-way clutch. (A) is a screen example (1) of the operation request effect, (b) is a screen example after the operation button is operated, and (c) is a screen example after the operation button is operated. (A) is a screen example (2) of the operation request effect, and (b) is a screen example after the operation button is operated. Screen example of operation request effect (3).

<Example Embodiment>
In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, operation buttons capable of various controls such as participation in reach production, change of BGM, and change of the viewpoint of the screen are provided on the launch handle. This embodiment will be described below. First, the overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine will be briefly described, and then the launching handle according to the present embodiment will be described.

(1) Overall configuration of pachinko gaming machine (1-1) External configuration First, an external configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 100 includes, for example, a game board 1, a launch handle 2 that launches a game ball, and a rail 3 that introduces the launched game ball into the game board 1. The firing handle 2 can be controlled so that one game ball can be fired at a time, for example, no more than 100 game balls can be fired per minute. The firing handle 2 is provided with operation buttons 28 that can be controlled in various ways. The operation button 28 receives an operation from the player in response to an operation request effect that requires the player to perform an operation, and / or performs an operation of selecting one of a plurality of options for adjusting the state of the effect. This button is received from the player. Details of the operation button 28 will be described later.

  In addition, the game board 1 is provided with a plurality of winning entrances through which game balls enter, and out holes 7 for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the winning entrances from the gaming board 1. Is arranged at the bottom of the game board 1. Here, the winning opening refers to a winning opening for giving a winning for acquiring a predetermined score or a predetermined number of winning balls when a game ball enters. A prize ball is a game ball that can be obtained by winning a prize.

  As the winning ports, a start winning port 4, normal winning ports 5L and 5R, and large winning ports 6a and 6b are provided. When a game ball enters the start winning opening 4, the start winning prize is won, and a winning / no-win lottery with a change in symbols is started. Further, when the winning / losing lottery results in winning, a big win game is started, and a round game in which the big winning openings 6a and 6b are opened over a predetermined time is repeated a predetermined number of times. The player can acquire more prize balls by putting the game balls into the big winning openings 6a, 6b. The special winning opening 6a is disposed, for example, in the lower part of the game board 1, and the special winning opening 6b is disposed, for example, in the upper right part of the gaming board 1.

  The game board 1 also includes a liquid crystal display device 8 for displaying a symbol variation display for changing the size, shape, color, and the like of a lottery result based on the game ball entering the start winning opening 4, and the symbol. When the next result cannot be displayed, such as during variable display, the lottery result can be temporarily stored, and the stored number (the number N of symbol variable rights, N is an integer of 0 or more) is displayed. The symbol change right number display device 9 is provided. Note that the upper limit of the number that can be stored is, for example, up to four, and the symbol change right number display device 9 arranges four LED indicators and notifies by lighting up the number of stored LEDs.

  In addition, a design means a character, a figure, a symbol, a color, or these combination. In addition, the liquid crystal display device 8 can display a plurality of effects such as an animation at the time of a big hit and an animation at the time of a loss according to the lottery result, in addition to the display of fluctuation of the symbols.

(1-2) Hardware Configuration FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a pachinko gaming machine.

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes, for example, a main control board 100A that performs main control of a game executed on the pachinko gaming machine 100, a payout control board 100B that performs payout control of lending balls and prize balls, and launch of a game ball by the launch handle 2 It includes a firing handle control board 100C for performing control, a lending control board 100D for lending balls, and an effect control board 100E for controlling image display and sound effects. Hereinafter, each hardware configuration will be described.

(A) Main Control Board The main control board 100A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a first clock generation circuit 102, a second clock generation circuit 103, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 104, and a RAM (Random-Access Memory). 105, a data transmission circuit 106 and an input / output port 107.

  The ROM 104 stores various programs for performing main control of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 100. For example, an instruction program that instructs execution of various effects to the effect control board 100E is included.

  The first clock generation circuit 102 and the second clock generation circuit 103 generate clock signals having different periods.

  The input / output port 107 transmits and receives data between the main control board 100A and various sensors provided at, for example, a prize opening.

  The data sending circuit 106 controls sending of data from the main control board 100A to the payout control board 100B and the effect control board 100E.

  The CPU 101 reads out various programs related to the above various processes from the ROM 104, develops them in the RAM 105, and executes them based on a predetermined clock signal. Further, the CPU 101 transmits / receives various commands to / from the payout control board 100B and the effect control board 100E via the data transmission circuit 106.

(B) Dispensing control board, launch handle control board, and lending control board The launch handle control board 100C includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113. The ROM 112 stores a program for controlling the launch of a game ball, for example. The CPU 111 receives various sensor data from the launch handle 2, reads the program in the ROM 112 into the RAM 113, and controls the launch of the game ball.

  For example, when the CPU 111 receives rotation amount data from a rotation amount detection meter 53 that detects a rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 to be described later, the CPU 111 controls the game ball launch motor 10 based on the rotation amount to play the game ball. Fire into the area. When the CPU 111 receives sensor data indicating that they have been operated from a first launch stop switch 40a and a second launch stop switch 40b, which will be described later, the CPU 111 stops the game ball launch motor 10 and launches the game ball. Prohibit.

  When the lending control board 100D detects insertion of a card on which a player lends a game ball into the card-type ball lending machine, the payout control board 100B drives the ball delivery motor 11 to lend a game ball. Further, when the payout control board 100B receives a prize ball payout command for instructing the payout of the prize ball from the main control board 100A, the ball delivery motor 11 is driven to pay out a predetermined number of game balls. The payout control board 100B does not include hardware such as a CPU, ROM, or RAM, but is configured in the same manner as other control boards.

(C) Effect control board Effect control board 100E contains CPU114, ROM115, and RAM116.

  The ROM 115 stores, for example, an effect control program for controlling various effects in the various illumination LEDs 12, the speaker 13, and the liquid crystal display device 8. The production control program includes, for example, an operation request for encouraging participation in a reach production and a notice production, a reach production and a notice production that make a prediction of the start of a big hit game, a symbol change accompanying the entry of the start winning opening 4 Includes programs such as production.

  The reach effect is an effect indicating that it is one step before the transition to the jackpot game in the symbol variation display. For example, when it is determined whether or not the jackpot game is started by a symbol that stops last among a plurality of symbols, an effect accompanying the stop of the last symbol may be mentioned. Further, examples of the notice effect include a jackpot notice effect for notifying that the game is likely to develop into a jackpot game, and a reach notice effect for notifying that the game will develop into a reach state.

  Further, the operation request effect is, for example, a request for an operation instruction of the operation button 28 of the firing handle 2 to the player during display of the variation of the symbol, and a specific operation depending on whether or not the operation button 28 is operated by the player. This is an effect that displays the degree of expectation for the character and the jackpot game.

  The production includes video, sound, vibration and the like, and the operation request production may be performed not only with video but also with sound and vibration.

  When the CPU 114 receives a command related to the effect control from the main control board 100A via the data transmission circuit 106, the CPU 114 develops the effect control program in the ROM 115 in the RAM 116 and performs the effect control. For example, the CPU 114 controls lighting of the illumination LED 12 provided on the game board 1, outputs sound data such as BGM from the speaker 13, and displays various effects on the liquid crystal display device 8.

  Further, when the CPU 114 receives from the operation button sensor 31 sensor data indicating that the operation button 28 provided on the firing handle 2 has been operated, the CPU 114 executes a process based on the operation of the operation button 28.

(2) Configuration of launch handle of pachinko machine (2-1) External configuration of launch handle (2-1-1) Overall configuration of launch handle FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the launch handle, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the firing handle, and FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the firing handle. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view in which the firing handle is disassembled into three parts: a front cover, a rotation operation unit, and a handle base.

  The firing handle 2 is generally composed of three parts: a handle base 20, a rotation operation unit 21, and a front cover 22. In the following, the position where the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 is maximized is defined as the final position (final position P3 in FIG. 6 described later), and the rotation direction in which the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 is increased is defined as the final position. Let's say direction. Conversely, a position where the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 is zero is defined as an initial position (initial position P1 in FIG. 6 described later), and a rotation direction in which the rotation amount decreases is referred to as an initial position direction. Note that the final position direction is a clockwise direction, and the initial position direction is a counterclockwise direction.

  The handle base 20 has a mounting portion 23 and a rear cover 24. The attachment portion 23 is screwed, for example, so that the launch handle 2 is positioned on the lower right side of the pachinko gaming machine 100 as shown in FIG. A rear cover 24 that houses the components in the handle base 20 is provided on the front surface of the mounting portion 23. The rear cover 24 is provided with at least two openings, and a first launch stop button 35a and a second launch stop button 35b are formed so as to protrude from the opening. These first and second launch stop buttons 35a and 35b are buttons for stopping the launch of the game ball.

  The rotation operation unit 21 is provided between the handle base 20 and the front cover 22 and is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The rotation operation unit 21 is formed with a first finger hanging part 25 a, a second finger hanging part 25 b, and a third finger hanging part 25 c that protrude outward, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation operation part 21. Further, the first finger hanging portion 25a, the second finger hanging portion 25b, and the third finger hanging portion 25c are formed in order along the final position direction in which the rotation amount of the rotation operation portion 21 is increased. The first finger hanging portion 25a is formed so as to protrude larger than, for example, the second finger hanging portion 25b and the third finger hanging portion 25c, and is configured so that the player can easily attach the thumb. When the player puts the finger of the right hand on the first to third finger rests 25a to 25c and operates the rotation operation unit 21, the firing strength of the game ball is adjusted according to the amount of rotation, and the game ball is fired to a predetermined level. Fired into the game area with strength.

  A front cover 22 is provided on the front surface of the rotation operation unit 21. The front cover 22 includes a front cover body 26 that houses the components in the front cover 22, and a front cover base 27 that supports the front cover body 26. The front cover body 26 is formed in a hemispherical shape so that a player can easily hold it with his / her hand.

  An operation button 28 is provided at a predetermined position on the hemispherical surface of the front cover body 26. The operation button 28 is a button for accepting an operation from the player according to an operation request effect and / or an operation for selecting one of a plurality of options for adjusting the effect state from the player. It is. The operation request effect is an effect that encourages participation in a reach effect or a notice effect, as described above. The plurality of options for adjusting the state of the effect include, for example, an option capable of switching the effect BGM, an option capable of switching the display size and display angle of the effect, and the desired effect from the plurality of effects. Options that can be selected. Such a function capable of selecting any one of a plurality of options may be used together with a pre-operation request effect or the like, or may be executed independently.

  The operation button 28 is attached to the front cover body 26 by an operation button cover 29 and protrudes forward from the front cover body 26 through a hole 29 a provided in the operation button cover 29. For example, the operation button 28 is configured to be capable of at least one of a pressing-down direction along the protruding direction of the operation button 28, a vertical direction with respect to the surface of the operation button cover 29, and a horizontal direction. By configuring the operation button 28 in this way, the object displayed in the effect can be moved up and down and left and right. When a plurality of options are displayed, the player can select one of the options by moving the operation button 28 up, down, left, or right. Further, when the player depresses the operation button 28, for example, selection of options, shooting operation, continuous hitting operation, and the like can be performed.

  According to this structure, since the operation button 28 that receives an operation from the player in relation to the production is provided on the front cover 22 of the launching handle 2, the operation button 28 is associated with the operation of the rotation operation unit 21 and the above-described production. It is possible to complete the operation to be performed with the hand on the side holding the firing handle 2, and the operability is excellent. Specifically, while playing a game, move the game ball between the upper plate and the lower plate, smoke a cigarette, and drink However, even if the opposite hand is blocked in this way, with this structure, the operation button 28 can be operated immediately and easily with the hand holding the firing handle 2. In particular, in the operation request effect that requires the player to operate the operation button 28, when the period from the start of the operation request effect until the operation button 28 is operated is limited to a predetermined time, When the presentation is changed depending on the operation timing from the start until the operation button 28 is operated, an immediate operation of the operation button 28 is required. Even in such a case, it is possible to immediately operate the operation button 28 provided on the front cover 22 by using the hand on the side already in the operation state by holding the firing handle 2.

(2-1-2) Operation of Rotation Operation Unit Next, the operation of the rotation operation unit 21 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation state of the rotation operation unit when the rotation amount is smaller than the maximum rotation amount. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation state of the rotation operation unit when the rotation amount is the maximum rotation amount.

  First, a description will be given with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an operation state of the rotation operation unit 21 when the player adjusts the rotation amount with the aim of entering the game ball into the start winning opening 4, for example. The rotation operation unit 21 is in a state of being rotated by a predetermined rotation angle θ1 from the initial position P1 before the rotation. The predetermined rotation angle θ1 is an angle between the initial position P1 and the position P2 after the rotation, and may be 45 °, for example. At this time, the player usually operates the rotation operation unit 21 by placing his / her finger on the first to third finger hanging units 25a to 25c as follows. The player attaches the thumb F1 to the position on the initial position direction side opposite to the final position direction where the rotation amount of the first finger hanging part 25a is large, and the index finger is located on the position of the second finger hanging part 25b on the initial position direction side. Add F2. Further, the player attaches the middle finger F3 and the ring finger F4 to the position on the initial position direction side of the third finger hanging portion 25c, and attaches the little finger F5 to the position on the final position direction side.

  Next, a description will be given based on FIG. FIG. 4A is a front view of the firing handle, FIG. 4B is a side view of the firing handle, and FIG. 4C is a rear view of the firing handle. FIG. 6 shows an operation state of the rotation operation unit 21 when, for example, the rotation amount is adjusted with the aim of entering the big winning opening 6b arranged in the upper right part of the game board 1 of FIG. At this time, the player has rotated the rotation operation unit 21 to the maximum rotation amount, and the rotation operation unit 21 has been rotated by the maximum rotation angle θ2 from the initial position P1 before the rotation. . The maximum rotation angle θ2 is an angle between the initial position P1 and the final position P3 after the rotation, and may be, for example, 110 °.

  As described above, the player rotates the rotation operation unit 21 by attaching each finger to the first to third finger-hanging portions 25a to 25c and rotating the wrist. When the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 increases from the initial position P1, the wrist rotation reaches the limit, and thus the player usually changes the rotation operation unit 21. At this time, the player usually attaches the index finger F2 to the position of the first finger hanging portion 25a on the initial position direction side, and attaches the middle finger F3 to the position of the second finger hanging portion 25b on the initial position direction side. Further, the player attaches the ring finger F4 and the little finger F5 to the position of the third finger hook portion 25c on the initial position direction side.

(2-1-3) Operation Button, Each Fire Stop Button, and Installation Position of Each Finger Hook Next, the operation button 28, the first fire stop button 35a, the second fire stop button 35b, and the first to third finger hooks 25a. The installation positions of ˜25c will be described.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the installation position of each operation unit. FIG. 7 (a) is a front view of the firing handle, FIG. 7 (b) is a side view of the firing handle, and FIG. c) is a rear view of the firing handle. FIG. 8 is a side view of the firing handle.

(A) First to Third Finger Hooks First, the installation positions of the first to third finger hooks 25a to 25c will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first finger hook portion 25 a is provided corresponding to or adjacent to the initial rotation position P <b> 1 when viewed from the front side of the firing handle 2. The second finger hanging portion 25b is provided corresponding to or adjacent to a position P4 having a predetermined angle θ3 in the final position direction in which the rotation amount increases with respect to the initial position P1. The third finger hook portion 25c is provided corresponding to or adjacent to a position P5 having a predetermined angle θ4 in the final position direction with respect to the position P4. For example, θ3 can be 60 ° and θ4 can be 75 °.

(B) First launch stop button, second launch stop button The first launch stop button 35a is provided corresponding to or adjacent to the initial position P1. More specifically, for example, as shown in the rear view of the firing handle 2 in FIG. 7C, the first firing stop button 35a is predetermined in the direction of the initial position where the rotation amount is small with respect to the initial position P1. Corresponding or adjacent to the position P6 having the angle θ5. The second firing stop button 35b is provided corresponding to or adjacent to a position P7 having a predetermined angle θ6 in the final position direction with respect to the initial position P1. For example, θ5 is 45 °, θ6 is 135 °, and the first firing stop button 35a and the second firing stop button 35b are provided on substantially opposite sides with respect to the center of rotation of the rotation operation unit 21. The angular difference can be, for example, 180 °.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7C, the first firing stop button 35a is provided corresponding to or adjacent to the first finger hooking portion 25a of the turning operation portion 21 before turning, And as shown in FIG.6 (c), it is preferable that the 2nd discharge stop button 35b is provided corresponding to or adjacent to the 1st finger hook part 25a in case the rotation operation part 21 is the maximum rotation amount.

  When the turning operation unit 21 is located at the initial position P1, the player usually turns the turning operation unit 21 by rotating the wrist with a thumb attached to the first finger rest 25a. When the rotation operation unit 21 is slightly rotated and fixed at a desired position, the player presses the first firing stop button 35a provided corresponding to or adjacent to the first finger hanging unit 25a, for example, with a thumb. It can be operated using. Here, when the player performs the operation of the operation button 28 using the thumb, the second firing stop button 35b provided at a position different from the first firing stop button 35a is used with a finger other than the thumb. It is possible to stop the launch of the game ball by operating.

  Further, as the rotation operation unit 21 moves from the initial position P1 to the final position, the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 increases and the rotation amount of the wrist also increases, so the first firing stop button 35a is operated with a thumb or the like, for example. It becomes difficult to do. Even in such a case, the player can easily stop the launch of the game ball by operating the second launch stop button 35b with a finger other than the thumb.

(C) Operation Button As shown in FIG. 7A, the operation button 28 is located at a position P8 having a predetermined angle θ7 in the final position direction with respect to the initial position P1 of rotation when viewed from the front side of the firing handle 2. Is provided. Further, the operation button 28 has an angle of θ8 with respect to the plane of the rotation operation unit 21 as shown in the side view of the firing handle 2 of FIG. For example, θ7 can be 45 ° and θ8 can be 30 °.

  By providing the operation button 28 at such a position, the operation button 28 is configured such that the position of the first finger-hanging portion 25a before the rotation operation unit 21 rotates and the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 is the maximum rotation amount. It is located between the position of the first finger rest 25a at the time. That is, the operation button 28 is located between the initial position P1 and the final position P3 in FIG.

  Therefore, when the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 does not reach the maximum rotation amount and the thumb is attached to the first finger rest 25a as shown in FIG. 5, the thumb is removed from the first finger rest 25a. Thus, the operation button 28 can be easily operated. At this time, the rotation operation unit 21 is supported by the fingers attached to the second finger hanging portion 25b and the third finger hanging portion 25c.

  In addition, when the amount of rotation of the rotation operation unit 21 increases and the first to third finger hooking units 25a to 25c reach the position shown in FIG. 6 with respect to the initial position P1, the player operates the rotation operation unit. Change 21. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the rotation operation unit 21 is supported by the middle finger F <b> 2 to the little finger F <b> 5, so that the operation button 28 can be easily operated with a thumb without a finger attached to the finger-hanging unit.

  As described above, by providing the operation button 28 at the above position, the operation button 28 can be easily operated before or after the rotation operation unit 21 is changed.

(2-2) Internal Configuration of Launch Handle Next, the internal configuration of the launch handle 2 will be described.

(2-2-1) Operation Button First, the internal configuration around the operation button 28 will be described. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an internal configuration around the operation buttons.

  The front cover body 26 of the front cover 22 is provided with a substrate storage portion 32 formed of a recess. The operation button substrate 30 is provided with an operation button sensor 31 that receives the pressing of the up, down, left, and right and the down from the operation button 28. Sensor data detected by the operation button sensor 31 is output to the effect control board 100E. The operation button substrate 30 has holes 30 a and 30 b in the operation button substrate 30, holes 33 a and 33 b in the substrate storage portion 32, and screw bosses on the back surface of the operation button cover 29, and screws 34 a and 34 b on the front cover body 26. By being inserted from the back side, it is housed and fixed in the substrate housing part 32.

  The operation button 28 is arranged so as to be positioned on the operation button sensor 31. The operation button 28 is disposed so as to protrude from the operation button cover 29 through the hole 29 a of the operation button cover 29.

(2-2-2) Handle Base Next, the internal configuration of the handle base 20 will be described. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the handle base, and FIG. 11 is a front view of the handle base.

  The handle base 20 includes a cylindrical attachment portion 23 and a rear cover 24. A rotation amount detection meter 53 is inserted and fixed in the attachment portion 23. The rotation amount detection meter 53 is a detector that detects the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21, and includes a meter main body 53a, a meter protrusion 53b, and a rotation amount detection shaft 53c. The amount of rotation can be detected by the rotation amount detection shaft 53c rotating in conjunction with the rotation operation unit 21.

  The rear cover 24 is provided with, for example, a pedestal plate portion 54, a first rotation restriction column 51a, a second rotation restriction column 51b, a rotation spring support column 52, and the like. The pedestal plate 54 is provided with an opening 54 a, and the rotation amount detection shaft 53 c and the meter protrusion 53 b of the rotation amount detection meter 53 are inserted into the opening 54 a and are screwed with a nut 57.

  The first rotation restricting support column 51a and the second rotation restricting support column 51b are formed corresponding to a later-described first rotation restricting groove 69a and a second rotation restricting groove 69b, respectively. Together with 69a and the second rotation restricting groove 69b, the amount of rotation of the rotation operation unit 21 is restricted. That is, these members define a state in which the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 is zero to a state in which the rotation amount is maximum.

  As shown in FIG. 7C and FIG. 10, the rear cover 24 has a first window portion 50a and a second window portion 50b corresponding to the first firing stop button 35a and the second launch stop button 35b. The opening which consists of is formed. The second firing stop button 35b is formed of two bent portions as shown in FIG. 10, and a wall pressing portion 36 that contacts the inner wall of the rear cover 24 is formed on one portion, and the other A stop operation receiving portion 37 that protrudes from the second window portion 50b and receives an operation from the player is formed in the portion. The first launch stop button 35a has the same configuration as the second launch stop button 35b.

  Corresponding to the first launch stop button 35a and the second launch stop button 35b, a first launch stop switch 40a and a second launch stop switch 40b are provided, respectively. The first launch stop switch 40a and the second launch stop switch 40b are for transmitting the launch stop of the game ball to the launch handle control board 100C in response to an operation from the first launch stop button 35a and the second launch stop button 35b. Generate a signal. The first launch stop button 35a and the second launch stop button 35b are screwed to the rear cover 24 by screws 39a and 39b, and the first launch stop switch 40a and the second launch stop switch 40b are rear covers by screws 42a and 42b. Screwed to 24.

(2-2-3) Rotation Amount Adjustment Mechanism Next, the rotation amount adjustment mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. The rotation amount adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that defines a state where the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 is zero and a state where the rotation amount is maximum. Examples of members that mainly constitute the rotation amount adjustment mechanism include a first rotation restriction column 51a, a second rotation restriction column 51b, a first rotation restriction groove 69a, and a second rotation restriction groove 69b.

  FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of each part of the firing handle, and FIG. 13 is a front view of portion A in FIG. 12 includes a configuration related to the rotation operation unit 21 and the rear cover 24, and a B portion of FIG. 12 includes a configuration related to the front cover 22. In addition, B part has rotated a little in the arrow direction in the figure with respect to A part.

  As shown in part A of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, a flat shaft plate portion 60 is formed integrally with the rotation operation portion 21 inside the rotation operation portion 21. The shaft plate portion 60 rotates as the rotation operation unit 21 rotates. The shaft plate portion 60 is formed with a first rotation restricting groove 69a and a second turn restricting groove 69b formed of openings. The first rotation restriction post 51a is inserted into the first rotation restriction groove 69a, and the second rotation restriction post 51b is inserted into the second rotation restriction groove 69b. As the rotation operation unit 21 rotates, the first rotation restriction groove 69a and the second rotation restriction groove 69b of the shaft plate part 60 also rotate together. However, when the end of the first rotation restriction groove 69a reaches the first rotation restriction column 51a or when the end of the second rotation restriction groove 69b reaches the second rotation restriction column 51b, it rotates. The rotation of the operation unit 21 is restricted.

  Thus, an initial position where the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 is zero and a terminal position where the rotation operation unit 21 is rotated by the maximum rotation amount are defined.

(2-2-4) Rotating Biasing Mechanism Next, the rotation urging mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. Examples of members mainly constituting the rotation urging mechanism include a rotation winding spring 61, a spring fixing portion 67, a rotation winding spring column 52, and the like.

  At the center of the shaft plate portion 60, a cylindrical rotationally wound spring receiving portion 68 is formed integrally with the shaft plate portion 60, and a spring fixing portion 67 is provided on the shaft plate portion 60. The rotationally wound spring 61 includes a spring body 63 in which a wire-like member is annularly wound a plurality of times, a ring portion 64 that is wound once in an annular shape at one end of the spring body 63, and a spring fixing end at the other end of the spring body 63. 62. The spring main body 63 is inserted into the outer periphery of the rotary winding spring receiving portion 68, the ring portion 64 and the ground wire 70 are inserted into the tip 52 a of the rotary winding spring column 52, and the spring fixing end 62 is fixed to the spring fixing portion 67. The When the rotation operation unit 21 rotates, the rotation spring receiver 68 rotates. At this time, due to the restoring force of the spring main body 63, the rotating wound spring receiving portion 68 is pulled so that the rotating operation portion 21 returns to the original initial position direction.

  With this configuration, the rotation urging mechanism is configured such that the rotation operation unit 21 is always urged toward the initial position where the rotation amount is small.

(2-2-5) Rotation Amount Detection Mechanism Next, the rotation amount detection mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14. FIG. 14 is an exploded cross-sectional view of each part of the firing handle, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. Examples of members mainly constituting the rotation amount detection mechanism include a rotation amount detection meter 53 and a rotation winding spring receiver 68.

  A cylindrical rotating coil spring receiving portion 68 is integrally formed at the center portion of the shaft plate portion 60, and the shaft plate portion 60 rotates according to the rotation of the rotation operation portion 21. Thus, the rotating wound spring receiving portion 68 also rotates. As shown in FIG. 14, a groove 68a is formed at the bottom of the rotating spring receiving portion 68, and the rotation amount detection shaft 53c of the rotation amount detection meter 53 is inserted into the groove 68a. When the player rotates the rotation operation unit 21, the rotation amount detection shaft 53c inserted in the rotation winding spring receiving unit 68 and the groove 68a rotates accordingly. The rotation amount detection meter 53 detects the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 from the rotation amount of the rotation amount detection shaft 53c.

(2-2-6) Rotation direction restriction mechanism (i) Configuration of rotation direction restriction mechanism Next, the rotation direction restriction mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. Examples of members mainly constituting the rotation direction restriction mechanism include a restriction bearing portion 65, a restriction shaft 66, a rotation restriction boss 76, and the like.

  The rotation direction restricting mechanism is a mechanism that restricts the rotation of the rotation operation unit 21 in the initial position direction and / or the final position direction, and the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 and the rotation amount are zero. This is different from the rotation amount adjustment mechanism that defines the state that is the maximum.

  When operating the operation button 28 provided on the firing handle 2, it is difficult to fix the rotation operation unit 21 by operating the operation button 28. For example, the player attaches a finger to each finger-hanging portion of the rotation operation unit 21 and rotates it by a desired amount of rotation, and fires a game ball to the game area with a desired launch intensity. At this time, the player fixes the rotation operation unit 21 while fixing a finger, a wrist, and the like and maintaining a desired rotation amount. However, for example, when the player operates the operation button 28 in response to the operation request effect, the position of the finger, wrist, or the like that fixes the rotation operation unit 21 is shifted, so that it is shifted from the desired rotation amount. . On the other hand, the operation button 28 cannot be operated immediately even if the operation request effect is performed because the player concentrates on fixing the rotation operation unit 21.

  Therefore, the firing handle 2 is provided with a turning direction restricting mechanism so that the turning of the turning operation portion 21 can be restricted by pressing the front cover body 26 of the firing handle 2.

  Referring to part A of FIG. 12 and FIG. 14, a cylindrical regulating bearing portion 65 is inserted into the inside of the rotary spring receiving portion 68, and a regulating shaft 66 is further inserted into the inside of the regulating bearing portion 65. Yes.

  The restricting bearing portion 65 is fixed to the rotating wound spring receiving portion 68 and rotates with the rotation of the rotating operation unit 21.

  The restriction shaft 66 receives the pressure from the rotation restriction boss 76 in response to the rotation restriction boss 76 receiving pressure from the front cover body 26. As shown in FIG. 14, the restriction shaft 66 includes a first member piece 66a, a second member piece 66b, and an elastic member 66c that connects the first member piece 66a and the second member piece 66b. The elastic member 66c is not particularly limited as long as it has elasticity. For example, the elastic member 66c may be a spring that connects a plurality of member pieces in a compressed state or an expanded state, or may be a rubber having elasticity. good.

  The front end of the first member piece 66a and the second member piece 66b on the front cover 22 side is cut out so that the pressing front end 79a of the rotation restricting boss 76 can be inserted. The restriction shaft 66 is disposed in a state of being rotatable within the restriction bearing portion 65 when the tip of the rotation restriction boss 76 is not inserted between the first member piece 66a and the second member piece 66b. On the other hand, when the tip of the rotation restricting boss 76 is inserted between the first member piece 66a and the second member piece 66b, the restricting shaft 66 is fixed in contact with the restricting bearing portion 65 and cannot be rotated. These operations will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the front cover base 27 is provided with a front cover base plate 71, and the front cover base plate 71 has a first rotation restriction column 51 a and a second rotation restriction column. Support covers 72a and 72b for covering 51b are formed. Further, a cylindrical front cover spring receiving portion 73 penetrating the front cover base plate 71 is provided at the center of the front cover base plate 71. In the front cover spring receiving portion 73, a boss engaging groove 74 having an opening is formed on the side wall.

  The rotation restricting boss 76 includes a flat boss plate portion 77, a boss engaging portion 78, and a restricting shaft pressing portion 79. The boss engaging portion 78 is formed so as to protrude from the boss plate portion 77 and is locked to the boss engaging groove 74 of the front cover spring receiving portion 73. The restriction shaft pressing portion 79 is formed to protrude from the boss plate portion 77, and a pressing tip portion 79a is formed at the tip portion thereof. The pressing tip 79a is formed so that the tip is tapered so that the pressing tip 79a can be inserted into the cut tip of the first member piece 66a and the second member piece 66b of the regulating shaft 66. The rotation restricting boss 76 is fixed to the front cover body 26 by inserting screws 81 a and 81 b into screw engaging portions 80 a and 80 b formed on the boss plate 77.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a front cover spring 75 is fitted on the outer periphery of the front cover spring receiving portion 73, and the front cover spring 75 is formed between the front cover base plate 71 and the boss plate portion 77 of the rotation restricting boss 76. Arranged between. The front cover spring 75 contracts when the front cover main body 26 is pressed against the pachinko gaming machine 100 main body, and returns to its original state when the pressure is released.

(Ii) Operation of Rotation Direction Restricting Mechanism Next, an operation in which the rotation direction restricting mechanism restricts the rotation of the rotation operation unit 21 of the firing handle 2 will be described.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit is not regulated, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit is regulated. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view illustrating a state before and after the rotation of the rotation operation unit is restricted. 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views taken along the line II-II in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the front cover main body 26 is not pressed, the front cover main body 26 and the rotation restricting boss 76 are separated from the front cover base plate 71 by the front cover spring 75. Only L is lifted. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17A, the pressing tip 79a of the restriction shaft pressing portion 79 of the rotation restricting boss 76 and the restriction shaft 66 are separated from each other. Further, the outer surface of the restriction shaft 66 and the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion 65 are separated by a distance M. Therefore, the restriction shaft 66 can freely rotate with respect to the restriction bearing portion 65. In other words, the restricting bearing portion 65 is freely rotatable without being restricted by the restricting shaft 66, and therefore the turning operation portion 21 is also freely rotatable according to the player's operation.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17B, when the front cover body 26 is pressed by, for example, the distance L, the front cover body 26 contacts the front cover base plate 71. At this time, the front cover spring 75 contracts, and the pressing tip 79a of the rotation restricting boss 76 is inserted between the first member piece 66a and the second member piece 66b of the restricting shaft 66. Then, the space between the first member piece 66a and the second member piece 66b of the restriction shaft 66 is expanded, and the outer surface of the restriction shaft 66 and the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion 65 come into contact with each other.

  Here, the rotation restricting boss 76 is fixed to the front cover body 26. Further, the regulation bearing portion 65 is fixed to the rotation operation unit 21 and rotates with the rotation of the rotation operation unit 21. When the rotation operation portion 21 has a predetermined rotation amount, the rotation of the restriction bearing portion 65 is restricted when the outer surface of the restriction shaft 66 comes into contact with the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion 65 as described above. Thereby, rotation of the rotation operation part 21 to which the restriction bearing part 65 is fixed is also restricted.

  As a method for restricting the rotation of the restriction bearing portion 65 and the rotation operation portion 21, for example, a method in which the outer surface of the restriction shaft 66 and the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion 65 are engaged by friction and fixed to the outside, Alternatively, for example, a method using a one-way clutch or the like can be used as the restriction bearing portion 65.

  FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a restriction bearing portion made of a one-way clutch. The restriction bearing portion 65 made of a one-way clutch has a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion S, for example, and has an inner ring 65a and an outer ring 65b. In the inner ring 65a, a plurality of rollers 65d are provided between the inner wall 65c of the inner ring 65a and the inner wall 65f of the outer ring 65b, and at least a part of the plurality of rollers 65d is exposed in the hollow portion S. The plurality of rollers 65d can rotate only in one direction, and the rotation in the other direction is restricted, for example, by the roller 65d engaging with a locking portion 65e provided on the inner wall 65d of the outer ring. When the restriction shaft 66 is inserted into the hollow portion S of the restriction bearing portion 65 formed of such a one-way clutch and the roller 65d receives a force in a direction in which the rotation is restricted from the restriction shaft 66, the rotation of the roller 65d is restricted. The rotation of the restriction shaft 66 is also restricted.

  Further, the restricted rotation includes at least rotation in the initial position direction in which the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 21 is zero, and additionally includes rotation in the final position direction in which the rotation amount is maximum. May be. However, when a one-way clutch is used as the restricting bearing portion 65, only one rotation direction can be restricted. The turning operation unit 21 is always urged toward the initial position by the turning urging mechanism described above. Therefore, when the positions of the finger and the wrist that fix the rotation operation unit 21 are shifted, the rotation operation unit 21 is easy to rotate in the initial position direction. Therefore, it is preferable to restrict the rotation in the initial position direction.

  The rotation of the rotation operation unit 21 can be restricted by pressing the front cover 22 of the firing handle 2 using the rotation direction restriction mechanism having a simple configuration as described above. That is, in order to fix the rotation operation unit 21 to a desired rotation amount, it is not necessary to maintain fingers, wrists and the like at a desired rotation amount, and it is only necessary to press the front cover 22. Therefore, the player can easily maintain the rotation operation unit 21 at a desired rotation amount. Therefore, even when the rotation operation unit 21 is fixed in accordance with the operation of the operation button 28 described above, the influence on the operation of the operation button 28 is suppressed, and the player can operate the operation button 28 easily and immediately. Can do.

  Since the rotation operation unit 21 can be fixed not only by supporting the rotation operation unit 21 itself, but also by pressing the front cover 22, the player can freely fix the rotation operation unit 21. The effect of increasing the degree can also be obtained. Further, as described above, since the player fixes the rotation operation unit 21 so as to maintain a desired rotation amount, the player is likely to feel fatigue in fingers, wrists, arms, and the like. In such a case, if the turning operation unit 21 can be fixed also by pressing the front cover 22, the operability of the launch handle 2 is further improved, such as the player being tired.

  In addition, the restriction shaft 66 is stored in the restriction bearing portion 65 in advance, and the rotation operation portion 21 is simply pressed to the extent that the outer surface of the restriction shaft 66 contacts the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion 65. Can be restricted. That is, the distance by which the front cover 22 is pushed down to restrict the rotation of the rotation operation unit 21 is the plurality of first and second member pieces in which the rotation restriction boss 76 constitutes the restriction shaft 66. The distance between the outer surfaces of the first and second member pieces 66a and 66b may be a distance at which the outer surfaces of the first and second member pieces 66a and 66b come into contact with the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion 65. Therefore, when the rotation of the rotation operation unit 21 is restricted, the distance by which the player depresses the front cover 22 is short, and the player does not need to perform a large operation, and the operability of the launch handle 2 can be improved. . Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the operation of the operation button 28 and the like from being hindered by a large operation of the front cover 22.

  Here, the distance by which the front cover 22 is pushed down can be set shorter by, for example, the following design. In a state where the rotation restricting boss 76 is not inserted between the first and second member pieces 66a and 66b, the distance between the outer surface of the first and second member pieces 66a and 66b and the inner wall of the restricting bearing portion 65 is shortened. The first and second member pieces 66a, 66b and the rotation restriction are designed and the movement distance necessary to bring the outer surfaces of the first and second member pieces 66a, 66b into contact with the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion 65. The distance from the boss 76 is designed to be short.

  Further, when the restriction shaft 66 is stored in the restriction bearing portion 65 in advance, the outer surface of the restriction shaft 66 can be brought into contact with the restriction bearing portion 65 with only a slight operation of the front cover 22 as described above. A large force for regulating the rotation can be obtained. Therefore, the rotation of the rotation operation unit 21 can be reliably restricted by performing a slight pressure on the front cover 22.

  When the pressing of the front cover 22 is released and the rotation restricting boss 76 is extracted from between the first and second member pieces 66a and 66b, the distance between the first and second member pieces 66a and 66b is an elastic member. 66c returns to the original state. Therefore, the contact between the restriction shaft 66 and the restriction bearing portion 65 is released, and the turning restriction of the turning operation portion 21 is released.

  In the above, the restriction shaft 66 is composed of two first member pieces 66a and second member pieces 66b, and an elastic member 66c. The restriction shaft 66 is configured as described above if the rotation restriction boss 76 is inserted between the member pieces constituting the restriction shaft 66 and the outer surface of the restriction shaft 66 contacts the inner wall of the restriction bearing portion 65. It is not limited. For example, the restriction shaft 66 may be composed of three or more member pieces and an elastic member that connects the member pieces.

(3) Example of operation of launch handle Next, an example of operation of the launch handle will be described using a screen example.

  19 to 20 are screen examples of operation request effects.

  The CPU 101 of the main control board 100A instructs the effect control board 100E to output an operation request effect for prompting participation in the reach effect and the notice effect. As a result, the effect control board 100E outputs, for example, the operation request effects shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 to the screen of the liquid crystal display device 8. In addition, the operation request can be obtained by the illumination by various illumination LEDs 12 and the sound by the speaker 13, the vibration of the launch handle 2, and the like.

  For example, when the operation request effect shown in FIG. 19A is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 8, the player operates the operation button 28 of the firing handle 2 by pressing it down in response to a message “PUSH”. At this time, the player presses the front cover body 26 of the firing handle 2 so that the rotation operation unit 21 does not deviate from a desired rotation amount by operating the operation button 28, and the rotation operation unit 21 rotates. Stop. Furthermore, when the operation request effect is performed during a specific reach effect, or when the number of symbol change rights has reached an upper limit value that can be stored, the player can select the first launch stop button 35a and the first 2 The launch of the game ball is stopped by operating one of the launch stop buttons 35b. Note that the game ball is preferably stopped from being fired by either the first launch stop button 35a or the second launch stop button 35b, which does not hinder the operation of the operation button 28.

  When the player operates the operation button 28, for example, screens such as FIG. 19B and FIG. 19C are displayed, and the player may feel that he / she is participating in effects such as reach effects and notice effects. And expectation for jackpot games will also increase.

  Further, when the operation request effect shown in FIG. 20A is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 8, the player operates the operation button 28 left or right in accordance with the message to execute “reach mode A” or “reach”. Select one of mode B ". When the player selects “reach mode A”, the screen shown in FIG. 20B is displayed. When the operation request effect shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 8, the player operates the operation button 28 up, down, left, and right to move the object 90 imitating the airplane up, down, left, and right on the screen. Let In addition, the player performs an operation of depressing the operation button 28 to fire the missile 91 from the object 90 and destroy the number “6” so that the number “7” appears. As a result, if the combination of the three numbers becomes “777”, the jackpot game starts. 20 and 21, similarly to FIG. 19, it is possible to prevent the rotation of the rotation operation unit 21 and stop the launch of the game ball.

  The operation example of the operation button 28 and the like in the operation request effect has been described above. However, the operation button 28 may accept an operation for selecting one of a plurality of options for adjusting the effect state from the player. Is possible. For example, by operating the operation button 28, it is possible to select a desired effect from an option capable of switching the effect BGM, an option capable of switching the display size and display angle of the effect, and a plurality of effects.

<Other embodiment examples>
As shown in the above embodiment, the operation button 28 may be provided on the right launch handle 2 of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and the operation button having the same function as the operation button 28 may be provided on the left side of the pachinko gaming machine 100.

  In the above embodiment, there are two firing stop buttons, but three or more firing buttons may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the control axis 66 is comprised by each combination of several 1st, 2nd member piece 66a, 66b and the elastic member 66c, even if it comprises the control axis 66 as follows. good. For example, the restriction shaft 66 may have a configuration in which a plurality of member pieces are integrally formed, and a connection portion between the plurality of member pieces is formed thin so that the connection portion has elasticity.

  The present invention is applicable to all gaming machines that launch game balls into a game board. For example, for example, the present invention is applicable to all ball-type gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines such as first-class pachinko gaming machines and second-class pachinko gaming machines, arrange ball gaming machines, and sparrow ball gaming machines. Is possible.

1: Game board
2: Launch handle
3: Rail
4: Start prize opening 5L, 5R: Regular prize opening
6a, 6b: Grand prize opening
7: Out mouth
8: Liquid crystal display device
9: Symbol variable number display device
20: Handle base
21: Rotating operation unit
22: Front cover
23: Mounting part
24: Rear cover
25a-25c: 1st-3rd finger hook part
26: Front cover body
27: Front cover base
28: Operation buttons
30: Operation button board
31: Operation button sensor
35a, 35b: first and second firing stop buttons
40a, 40b: first and second firing stop switches 51a, 51b: first and second rotation restricting struts
53: Rotation amount detection meter
53c: Rotation amount detection shaft
54: Base plate portion 60: Shaft plate portion
61: Rotating winding spring
62: Spring fixed end
63: Spring body 64: Ring portion 65: Regulatory bearing portion
65d: Roller 65e: Locking portion 66: Restricting shaft
66a, 66b: first and second member pieces
66c: elastic member
67: Spring fixing part
68: Rotating winding spring receiving part
69a, 69b: first and second rotation restricting grooves
73: Front cover spring receiving part
74: Boss engagement groove
75: Front cover spring
76: Boss for rotation restriction
77: Boss plate portion 79: Restriction shaft pressing portion
79a: Pressing tip
90: Object
91: Missile 100: Pachinko machine

Claims (5)

A launch handle for launching a game ball into the game area of the gaming machine,
A handle base fixed to the gaming machine;
A front cover covering the front of the firing handle;
A rotation operation unit provided between the handle base and the front cover so as to be rotatable, and capable of adjusting a launch intensity of the game ball according to a rotation amount;
A plurality of options provided on the front cover for accepting an operation from the player in response to an operation request effect requesting the player to perform an operation and / or adjusting the state of the effect including the operation request effect An operation button for accepting an operation for selecting one of the player from the player,
A rotation direction regulating mechanism that regulates rotation of the rotation operation unit by pressing the front cover toward the main body of the gaming machine;
Equipped with a,
The rotation direction regulating mechanism is
A restriction shaft that receives pressure from the front cover;
A regulation bearing portion that accommodates the regulation shaft therein,
By the restriction shaft is in contact with the inner wall of the restricting bearing portion in response to the pressing of the front cover, the turning to the initial position direction before the rotation of the pivot operation part is restricted and wherein Rukoto Launch handle to do. The rotation direction restriction mechanism further includes a rotation restriction boss that is provided on the front cover and presses the restriction shaft according to the pressure of the front cover.
The restriction shaft has a plurality of member pieces, and an elastic member that connects the plurality of member pieces to each other,
By the pressing of the front cover, at least a part of the rotation restricting boss is inserted between the plurality of member pieces, and the plurality of member pieces come into contact with the inner wall of the restricting bearing portion, whereby the rotation is performed. The firing handle according to claim 1 , wherein rotation of the operation unit toward the initial position is restricted. The rotation operation unit is provided with at least one finger hook unit,
The operation button includes a first position before rotation of a finger hook portion positioned at the rearmost end with respect to a rotation direction in which a rotation amount increases from an initial position before rotation of the rotation operation portion, and a rotation direction. momentum is characterized in that is provided so as to be positioned at the second position and, during the time which is the maximum, firing handle according to claim 1 or 2. The operation buttons, vertical, horizontal direction, depressed and at least one of the direction is configured to be, firing handle according to any one of claims 1-3. The rotation operation unit is provided with at least one finger hook unit,
The handle base is provided with a first launch stop button and a second launch stop button for stopping the launch of the game ball to the game area,
The first firing stop button is a first position before rotation of a finger hook portion located at the rearmost end with respect to a rotation direction in which the rotation amount increases from an initial position before rotation of the rotation operation unit. Corresponding to or adjacent to
The said 2nd discharge stop button is arrange | positioned corresponding to the 2nd position of the said finger hook part when the amount of rotations is the maximum, or is arrange | positioned, The any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The firing handle described in.

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