JP5483717B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a button switch device for gaming machines that can be used for various effects in gaming machines.

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

  For example, in the button switch device for gaming machines of Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as “conventional button device”), when the symbol variation display device is in a reach state, the button main body on the lower side normally protrudes upward. Can make an impact.

JP 2007-296090 A

  The conventional button device has an impact on the player by suddenly projecting the button body as part of the production. However, if the player puts his hand on the button or places an object such as a player's property (such as a wallet, cigarette, or beverage) on the button, the button body protrudes. When doing this, these become obstacles and the button body cannot be projected. That is, there is a problem that these obstacles prevent the button body from smoothly protruding.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and is for a gaming machine capable of preventing the protruding operation of a button device that can impact a player by protruding as much as possible. An object is to provide a gaming machine provided with a button switch device.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a gaming machine including a button body that has a button that can be pressed between and moved between an initial position and an upper protruding position that protrudes from the initial position. A movement determining means for determining whether or not to move the button body between the initial position and the upper protruding position, and the button when the movement determining means determines to move the button body. A movement executing means for moving the main body, a detecting means for detecting whether or not there is an object within a detection range including a movement range from the initial position where the button main body can move to the upper protruding position, and the detection And an informing means for informing the outside of the gaming machine that the object is moved outside the moving range when the object is detected by the means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the detection means includes a detection unit in the vicinity of the button main body and the button main body, and the object is in the detection range when the object contacts the detection unit. It is characterized by detecting.

  The invention according to claim 3 further comprises a pressing operation enabling means for enabling a pressing operation on the button, wherein the notification means is when the detecting means detects that there is an object within the detection range. And when the button body is in the initial position and the pressing operation enabling means has not enabled the pressing operation on the button, the notification is performed to the outside. To do.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the notification means is when the detection means detects that there is an object within the detection range, and the movement determination means determines to move the button body. It is characterized by notifying the outside when it is made.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the notification means is when the button main body is moved by the movement execution means, and when the detection means detects that there is an object within the detection range. It is characterized by performing notification toward the outside.

  The vicinity of the button body means that the area that can be detected by the detection means includes the area where the button body collides with an object (which can be an obstacle) when the button body protrudes. Means.

  In the case where the button pressing operation is enabled by the pressing operation enabling means, when the button is pressed, the pressing operation is reflected in the effect or used. That is, the original function as a button, that is, a function of “pressing a button → switch ON” is exhibited. On the other hand, when the button pressing operation is not enabled by the pressing operation enabling means, when the button is pressed, the pressing operation is not reflected in the production or used. That is, the above “original function as a button” is not exhibited.

  According to the present invention, when the button main body performs the protruding operation, if there is an object (which can be an obstacle) within the movement range of the button main body, a notification is given to retreat the object. By giving such notification, the player can be encouraged not to place his / her own hand on the button or to place his / her belongings on the button, and the protrusion operation of the button body is not hindered as much as possible. Can be.

The button operation mechanism concerning one embodiment of the present invention is shown, the figure (a) is a top view in which a part of button operation mechanism is omitted, and the figure (b) is the front view of a button operation mechanism. 1 shows a gaming machine provided with a button operation mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1 (a) is a perspective view of the gaming machine and FIG. 1 (b) is a side view of the gaming machine. 1 shows a gaming machine provided with a button operation mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1 (a) is a perspective view of the gaming machine and FIG. 1 (b) is a side view of the gaming machine. 1 is a perspective view of a button operation mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention with a part omitted. The disassembled perspective view of the button operation mechanism concerning one embodiment of this invention is shown. 1 shows a gaming machine equipped with a button operation mechanism of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A is a front view of the gaming machine, FIG. 2B is a plan view of the gaming machine, and FIG. 1C is a gaming machine. FIG. It is a button raising pattern table referred in button production processing. The figure for demonstrating the speed of the button protrusion operation | movement which can be selected is shown. The figure for demonstrating the aspect of another selectable button protrusion operation | movement is shown. 1 shows a button operation mechanism in a state in which a button pressing portion has been moved to a retracted position by a first motor of the button operation mechanism according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4B is a front view of the button operation mechanism, and FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the button operation mechanism. Sectional drawing of a button operation mechanism when a button press part protrudes upwards by the simultaneous action of the compression coil spring of the button operation mechanism concerning this invention and a 1st motor is shown. The button operation mechanism of the state which the button press part of the button operation mechanism concerning this invention moved to the 2nd protrusion position is shown, The same figure (a) is a top view in which a part of button operation mechanism is abbreviate | omitted, FIG. ) Is a front view of the button operation mechanism, and FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the button operation mechanism. Sectional drawing of the button operation mechanism for making a button press part protrude upward by the continuous effect | action of the compression coil spring and 1st motor of the button operation mechanism concerning this invention is shown. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the control part concerning one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the various processes in a control part. It is a flowchart which shows the production | presentation pattern determination process in a control part. It is a flowchart (1) which shows the button action control processing in a control part. It is a flowchart (2) which shows the button action control processing in a control part. It is a flowchart (3) which shows the button action control processing in a control part. It is a flowchart which shows the alerting | reporting mode start process performed in a button action control process. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption notification mode start process performed in a button action control process. It is a flowchart which shows the alerting | reporting mode completion | finish process performed in a button action control process. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption alerting | reporting mode completion | finish process performed in a button action control process. It is a flowchart which shows the alerting | reporting process in a control part. The disassembled perspective view of the button operation mechanism concerning the modification of one embodiment of this invention is shown. It is sectional drawing of the button operation mechanism which concerns on a modification. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the control part concerning a modification. It is a flowchart (1) which shows the button action control processing in the control part which concerns on a modification. It is a flowchart (2) which shows the button action control processing in the control part which concerns on a modification. It is a flowchart (3) which shows the button action control processing in the control part which concerns on a modification. It is an example of the effect image performed in the symbol display unit in the notification mode effect

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2A (perspective view) shows a configuration example of a button operation mechanism having a button pressing portion 41 provided in the tray unit 3 arranged at the lower part on the front side of the gaming machine 1. Although the gaming machine 1 will be described by taking a pachinko machine as an example, the gaming machine 1 is not limited to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, and may be a revolving type gaming machine represented by a slot machine or the like. .

  First, the entire gaming machine will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B (side view), a front glass 6 is provided on the upper side of the rectangular frame member 5 in front view, and is not shown on the rear side of the front glass 6. A game board 7 provided with a symbol display unit 107, a plurality of winning holes, an accessory, an effect lamp, and the like is provided. A tray unit 3 is disposed on the frame member 5 below the front glass 6.

  The tray unit 3 is formed in a box shape so as to protrude forward from the frame member 5. The tray unit 3 extends from the left end of the frame member 5 to the right end. An upper surface portion 3a that extends substantially horizontally is formed on the upper surface of the tray unit 3, and a side surface portion 3b that surrounds the upper surface portion 3a and extends downward is formed around the upper surface portion 3a. And the bottom face part 3c connected to this and extending to the frame member side is formed, and the inside of the tray unit 3 is hollow.

  On the upper part of the tray unit 3, a concave tray 4 is formed as a flow path for temporarily storing the paid-out game balls and sending them to the launching device side having an operation handle 8 described later. As shown in FIG. 6B, the tray 4 extends from the left end in the width direction of the tray unit 3 to the right end. In the tray unit 3, a space 3 d is formed when further described with reference to FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (c). In the space portion 3d, a horizontally long front space portion 3e extending from the left side in the width direction of the tray unit 3 to the right side is formed in front of the tray 4. The front space 3e is formed with a width that is narrower than the width of the tray 4 in the front-rear direction. However, the front space portion 3eR on the right side of the tray 4 in the front space portion 3e is formed so that the width in the front-rear direction is slightly wider than the front space portion 3eL on the left side of the tray 4. A button operation mechanism 20 to be described later is accommodated in the right front space 3eR.

  An operation handle 8 is disposed on the frame member 5 below the right end of the tray unit 3. The operation handle 8 protrudes from the frame member 5 toward the player and is operated by the player when the game ball is fired.

Speakers 106 are provided at both ends of the tray unit 3. From the speaker 106, various voices, messages, alarms, etc. are output as the game progresses.
Note that the speaker 106 corresponds to an example of a notification unit of the present invention.

  A button pressing portion 41 that protrudes in the vertical direction and accepts an operation by the player is disposed at the center in the left-right direction of the upper surface portion 3 a on the player side (front side) of the tray unit 3. As for the operation of the button pressing unit 41, guidance such as a message for prompting the pressing operation of the button pressing unit 41 is displayed as an image or output by voice during a specific effect (for example, reach effect) during the game. The button pressing portion 41 is enabled while the button is pressed, and is moved to a position protruding upward from the tray unit 3 (second protruding position Pu2 described later) before the message is output.

  The button operation mechanism 20 that protrudes and enters the button pressing portion 41 provided in the gaming machine 1 configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 1A (partially omitted plan view), FIG. 1B (front view), and FIG. 4 (partially omitted perspective view), the button operation mechanism 20 has a rectangular shape in front view. The formed casing portion 21, the button operating portion 40 having a button pressing portion 41 disposed above the casing portion 21 and provided so as to reciprocate in the vertical direction, and the button operating portion 40 urged upward Then, a compression coil spring 55 that protrudes from the tray unit 3 (see FIG. 2), and a main body drive that is disposed in the housing portion 21 and projects into the tray unit 3 (see FIG. 2). Unit 60 and a control unit 100 that controls the operation of the main body driving unit 60. Note that FIG. 1A and FIG. 4 show a button operation mechanism 20 in which the housing portion 21 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 5 (disassembled perspective view), the housing portion 21 is connected to the rear plate portion 22 having a rectangular shape in front view extending in the vertical direction and the upper end of the rear plate portion 22 and connected to the front side. It has a top plate part 30 having a rectangular shape in plan view extending to the top. The back plate portion 22 is provided with a motor support plate 23 that extends forward and is connected to the top plate portion 30 at an upper portion on one side (right side) in the width direction. An insertion hole 23a for inserting a drive shaft 61a of a first motor 61 of a main body drive unit 60, which will be described later, is provided at the center of the motor support plate 23. The motor support plate 23 around the insertion hole 23a has a first motor. A plurality of fixing holes 23b for fixing 61 are provided.

  A clutch support plate 25 extending forward and in the vertical direction is provided on the back plate portion 22 on the other side (left side) in the width direction of the back plate portion relative to the motor support plate 23. The upper end of the clutch support plate 25 is positioned below the top plate portion 30, and a gap 26 is formed between the upper end of the clutch support plate 25 and the top plate portion 30. In the gap 26, a conversion mechanism 91 and a connecting member 93 of a clutch driving unit 90 described later are arranged. In the upper part of the clutch support plate 25, an insertion hole 25a for inserting a power transmission shaft 63 of a main body drive unit 60 described later is provided.

  A gear support plate 27 extending forward is provided at the upper part of the other side (left side) end of the back plate portion 22 in the width direction. An insertion hole 27 a through which a rotation center shaft 66 that supports a drive gear 65 that is a part of the main body drive unit 60 is inserted is provided at the distal end portion of the gear support plate 27. The insertion hole 27 a extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving direction of the button pressing portion 41. The insertion holes 23a, 25a, 27a provided in the motor support plate 23, the clutch support plate 25, and the gear support plate 27 are provided substantially coaxially. For this reason, the drive shaft 61a, the power transmission shaft 63, and the rotation center shaft 66 of the first motor 61 inserted through these insertion holes 23a, 25a, and 27a are disposed substantially coaxially, and the moving direction of the pressing portion 41 It extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to.

  On the other side (left side) in the width direction of the back plate 22, a guide groove 22 a that opens at the upper end and extends to the vicinity of the lower end of the back plate 22 is provided. The guide groove 22a guides the movement of the support main body 43, which will be described later, of the button operation unit 40.

  An insertion hole 30a through which a drive shaft 95a of a second motor 95 of the clutch drive unit 90 described later is inserted is provided on the front side of the intermediate portion in the width direction of the top plate portion 30, and the top plate portion 30 around the insertion hole 30a A plurality of fixing holes 30 b for fixing the second motor 95 are provided. In addition, a rectangular through hole 30c extending in the front-rear direction is provided in the rear portion on the other side in the width direction of the top plate portion 30. A notch groove 30d that communicates with the through hole 30c and extends rearward is provided at the rear part of the through hole 30c, and the rear end part of the notch groove 30d is a guide groove 22a provided in the back plate part 22. It communicates with the upper end.

  The button operation unit 40 is inserted through the rectangular through hole 30c. The button operation unit 40 includes a button pressing unit 41 and a support main body unit 43 from above. The button pressing portion 41 is formed in a cap shape with an outer shape formed in a cylindrical shape, a hollow inside, and a lower portion opened. The button pressing portion 41 is removably inserted into the upper portion of the support main body 43 disposed on the front end side (downward) in the pressing direction.

  The support main body 43 is formed in a columnar shape, and includes an insertion shaft portion 44 into which the button pressing portion 41 is inserted and a protruding portion 46 that extends downward from the lower end of the insertion shaft portion 44. The insertion shaft portion 44 has an outer diameter through which the button pressing portion 41 can be reciprocated. When the compression coil spring 48 is placed on the upper surface of the insertion shaft portion 44 and the button pressing portion 41 is inserted into the insertion shaft portion 44, the upper end portion of the compression coil spring 48 comes into contact with the top inner surface of the button pressing portion 41. The lower end portion is in contact with the upper surface of the insertion shaft portion 44. When the button pressing portion 41 is pressed downward in this state, the button pressing portion 41 moves downward against the bias of the compression coil spring 48 to be in a pressed state, and the pressing operation of the button pressing portion 41 is performed. When released, the compression coil spring 48 extends and the button pressing portion 41 is returned to its original position. The button pressing portion 41 is formed with a protrusion 41a, and the insertion shaft portion 44 is formed with a protrusion 44b having a through hole 44c through which the protrusion 41a can pass. A photosensor 44d (transmission type photosensor) is attached to the through hole 44c of the projecting portion 44b at a position where light-receiving and light-emitting elements can be shielded. That is, when the button pressing portion 41 is pressed and moves downward against the bias of the compression coil spring 48, the protruding portion 44a enters the through hole 44c, and the photosensor 44d has a gap between the light receiving and light emitting elements. Is shielded. As a result, it is detected that the button pressing portion 41 is in the pressed state.

  The overhanging portion 46 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends along the central axis of the insertion shaft portion 44. The overhanging portion 46 is a front surface 46a facing forward, a pair of side surface portions 46b extending downward from both sides in the width direction of the front surface portion 46a, and a rear surface facing the front surface portion 46a and connected between the rear end portions of the pair of side surface portions 46b. It has a portion 46c. The overhanging portion 46 has a size smaller than the rectangular through hole 30c provided in the top plate portion 30 described above, and is inserted into the through hole 30c.

The overhanging portion 46 is disposed inside the insertion shaft portion 44 in plan view. For this reason, an annular step 44 a is formed between the lower end of the insertion shaft 44 and the upper end of the overhang 46. The step 44a functions as a valve seat for a compression coil spring 55 described later.

  A rack gear 46d is provided on the front surface 46a of the overhang 46 from the upper part to the lower end. The rack gear 46d constitutes a part of the drive main body 60 and meshes with a drive gear 65 (to be described later) of the drive main body 60.

  A pair of pins 46e protruding at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction are provided below the back surface portion 46c of the overhang portion 46. These pins 46e are inserted into guide grooves 22a provided on the back plate 22 and move along the guide grooves 22a to guide the vertical movement of the support main body 43. A retaining ring 46f is attached to the tip of the pin 46e to restrict the pin 46e from being removed from the guide groove 22a.

  The support main body 43 is inserted into the projecting portion 46 from above the through hole 30c provided in the top plate portion 30 with the compression coil spring 55 inserted into the projecting portion 46, and below the through hole 30c. A rack gear 46d provided on the overhanging portion 46 extending inwardly engages with the drive gear 65 and is movable in the vertical direction.

  The compression coil spring 55 is disposed between the step portion 44 a that functions as a spring seat and the top plate portion 30. The compression coil spring 55 is described later when the upper surface of the button pressing portion 41 is at a position substantially flush with the upper surface of the tray unit 3 (see the retracted position Pd shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). When the power transmission clutch 80 to be cut off is extended, the button pressing portion 41 is moved upward via the support main body portion 43.

  The main body drive unit 60 that moves the button operation unit 40 configured as described above in the up-down direction is provided with the rack gear 46d, the drive gear 65, the power transmission shaft from the other side (left side) to the one side (right side) of the casing unit 21. 63, having a first motor 61. The drive gear 65 is rotatably supported by a rotation center shaft 66 that is inserted through the insertion hole 27 a of the gear support plate 27.

  When the rotation center shaft 66 is inserted into the insertion hole 27a, a retaining ring 67 is attached to the rotation center shaft 66 that protrudes from the gear support plate 27 to the side opposite to the clutch support plate 25 side. Removal is regulated. A drive gear 65 is inserted into the rotation center shaft 66 projecting toward the clutch support plate 25, and a retaining ring 67 is attached to the rotation center shaft 66 projecting toward the clutch support plate 25 from the drive gear 65. 66 is restricted from being removed from the clutch support plate 25 side.

  On one side surface of the drive gear 65, a clutch on one side that constitutes a power cut-off clutch 70 for preventing the main body drive unit 60 from being damaged when the button pressing unit 41 is pressed with a large force. The member 71 is provided integrally. The power cut-off clutch 70 has a clutch member 72 on the other side disposed opposite to the clutch member 71 on one side.

  The clutch member 71 on the drive gear side is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a triangular tooth portion 71a that extends radially from the rotation center of the clutch member 71 and is continuously provided in the circumferential direction is provided on the front end surface thereof. . The clutch member 71 is disposed substantially coaxially with the rotation center shaft 66 of the drive gear 65 and meshes with the clutch member 72 on the other side facing the clutch member 72 to transmit the power of the first motor 61 to the drive gear 65.

  The clutch member 72 on the side of the clutch support plate 25 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a through hole 72c disposed coaxially with the rotation center axis of the clutch member 72 is provided on the bottom surface thereof. The power transmission shaft 63 is inserted into the through-hole 72 c, and the clutch member 72 is movable along the power transmission shaft 63 and is rotatably supported together with the power transmission shaft 63. Similarly to the clutch member 71 on the drive gear side, a tooth portion 72a that extends radially from the rotation center of the clutch member 72 and has a triangular shape in a side view is continuously provided on the distal end surface of the clutch member 72 in the circumferential direction. . A retaining ring 73 is attached to the power transmission shaft 63 that is inserted into the clutch member 72 and extends from the front end side of the clutch member 72, and the removal of the clutch member 72 from the power transmission shaft 63 is restricted.

  Between the clutch member 72 on the clutch support plate 25 side and the clutch support plate 25, a compression coil spring 75 and a flat washer 76 inserted into the power transmission shaft 63 are provided. The compression coil spring 75 is inserted into the power transmission shaft 63 in a compressed state, and the clutch member 72 on the clutch support plate side is always urged to the clutch member 71 side of the power transmission shaft 63 by the compression coil spring 75. The operation of the power cut-off clutch 70 will be described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 1B and 5, the power transmission shaft 63 is inserted into the insertion hole 25 a of the clutch support plate 25 in a substantially uniform manner in the casing width direction with respect to the clutch support plate 25. Extend. A pair of retaining rings 74 are attached to each base end portion of the power transmission shaft 63 extending from both sides of the clutch support plate 25 to restrict the power transmission shaft 63 from being detached from the clutch support plate 25. Yes.

  A power transmission shaft 63 extending from the clutch support plate 25 toward the motor support plate 23 is provided with a clutch member 81 of a power transmission clutch 80 that transmits or blocks power from the first motor 61 to the power transmission shaft 63. The clutch member 81 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a triangular tooth portion 81a extending continuously from the rotation center of the clutch member 81 and continuously provided in the circumferential direction is provided on the front end surface thereof. On the bottom surface side of the clutch member 81, an arcuate flange portion 81b that projects outward is provided. The flange 81b acts as a contact surface for moving the clutch member 81 by receiving a force from a clutch drive unit 90 described later.

  A through hole arranged coaxially with the rotation center axis is provided on the bottom surface of the clutch member 81, and the power transmission shaft 63 is inserted into the through hole, so that the clutch member 81 is movable along the power transmission shaft 63. And rotates according to the rotation of the power transmission shaft 63. That is, the clutch member 81 is provided substantially coaxially with the power transmission shaft 63.

  A retaining ring 74 is attached to the power transmission shaft 63 that is inserted into the clutch member 81 and extends from the front end side of the clutch member 81, and the removal of the clutch member 81 from the power transmission shaft 63 is restricted. Between the clutch member 81 and the clutch support plate 25, a compression coil spring 84 and a flat washer 85 are provided in a state of being inserted into the power transmission shaft 63, and the compression coil spring 84 is inserted into the power transmission shaft 63 in a compressed state. Has been. For this reason, the clutch member 81 is always urged to the first motor side of the power transmission shaft 63 by the compression coil spring 84.

  The clutch member 82 on the first motor side of the power transmission clutch 80 is attached to the drive shaft 61 a of the first motor 61 provided on the motor support plate 23. The clutch member 82 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and is arranged coaxially with the drive shaft 61 a of the first motor 61. On the front end surface of the clutch member 82, tooth portions 82a that extend radially from the rotation center of the clutch member 82 and are triangular in a side view are continuously provided in the circumferential direction. A retaining ring 74 is attached to the drive shaft 61a of the first motor 61 that is inserted into the clutch member 82 and extends from the front end side of the clutch member 82, and the clutch member 82 is restricted from being removed from the drive shaft 61a.

  When the power transmission clutch 80 is in the connected state, the power of the first motor 61 is transmitted to the support main body 43 via the power transmission clutch 80, the power transmission shaft 63, the drive gear 65, and the rack gear 46d. The power transmission shaft 63, the drive gear 65, and the rack gear 46d of the main body drive unit 60 are hereinafter referred to as a power transmission path 64.

  As described above, the drive gear 65, the power transmission shaft 63, the first motor 61, and the power transmission clutch 80 of the main body drive unit 60 are linearly arranged in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the support main body 43. Yes. For this reason, the thickness dimension of the front-back direction of the button operation mechanism 20 can be suppressed. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the button operation mechanism 20 can be accommodated in the front space 3eR having a narrow width in the front-rear direction of the tray unit 3.

  The first motor 61 is fixed to the motor support plate 23 via a plurality of screws 62 in a state where the drive shaft 61 a is inserted through the insertion hole 23 a of the motor support plate 23. The first motor 61 is a stepping motor. When the button pressing portion 41 is coupled with the compression coil spring 55 to project upward with respect to the tray unit 3 (see FIG. 2A) (FIG. 12B, FIG. 13). (See (b)) or when the button pressing portion 41 is moved backward to the receiving tray unit 3 side (see FIG. 11 (b)).

  As shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 5, the top plate portion 30 is provided with a clutch drive portion 90 that can switch the power transmission clutch 80 between a connected state and a disconnected state. The clutch drive unit 90 includes a second motor 95 fixed in a state where the drive shaft 95a is inserted into an insertion hole 30a provided in the top plate portion 30, and a drive shaft 95a of the second motor 95 extending from the insertion hole 30a. The rotating member 92 that is attached to the rotating shaft 92a and rotates together with the drive shaft 95a and the clutch member 81 on the clutch support plate 25 side of the power transmission clutch 80 are rotatably connected at one end, and the other end is rotatably connected to the rotating member 92. The connecting member 93 is connected.

  The rotating member 92 extends in a direction orthogonal to the driving shaft 95a, and one end side thereof is connected to the driving shaft 95a. An engaging protrusion 92a projecting downward from a longitudinal intermediate portion on the back surface side of the rotating member 92. (See FIG. 11C).

  The connecting member 93 is disposed above the power transmission shaft 63 and extends in a direction orthogonal to the power transmission shaft 63 (front-rear direction), and is connected to both longitudinal ends of the connection main body portion 93a and is a clutch. It has a pair of connection arm part 93b extended to the member 81 side. The connecting arm portion 93b has a distal end extending toward the clutch member 81 and bent downward, and a sphere 86 is inserted into a pin 83 that is inserted into the leading end portion of the connecting arm portion 93b and protrudes to the inside of the connecting arm portion 93b. Yes.

  The spherical body 86 abuts against the flange 81b of the clutch member 81 when the connecting main body portion 93a moves to the clutch support plate 25 side, and moves the clutch member 81 to the clutch support plate 25 side. A gap 87 (see FIG. 1A) is formed between the spherical body 86 and the clutch member 81 in a plan view. This gap 87 will be described later.

  A long hole 93c extending along the connection main body portion 93a is provided in the longitudinal intermediate portion of the connection main body portion 93a. The engaging protrusion 92a of the rotating member 92 is inserted into the long hole 93c. For this reason, when the drive shaft 95a of the second motor 95 rotates, the engaging protrusion 92a moves along the long hole 93c and rotates in the axial direction of the power transmission shaft 63 while rotating about the drive shaft 95a. Then, the connecting member 93 is reciprocated in the axial direction of the power transmission shaft 63. That is, the engaging projection 92a and the elongated hole 93c constitute the conversion mechanism 91 that converts the rotational motion of the rotating member 92 into a linear motion that linearly moves the connecting member 93.

  For this reason, the clutch member 81 can approach or separate from the other clutch member 82 opposed to the clutch member 81 to transmit or block the power of the first motor 61 to the power transmission path 64. The operation control of the second motor 95 is performed by the control unit 100 described later.

  The engaging protrusion 92a also rotates with the rotation of the rotating member 92. However, since the engaging protrusion 92a rotates about the drive shaft 95a, the engaging protrusion 92a is in the longitudinal direction of the connecting main body 93a. Move to. For this reason, there is a possibility that the sphere 86 provided at the tip of the connecting arm portion 93b of the connecting member 93 contacts the side surface of the crank member 81 and the rotation of the rotating member 92 stops. Thus, by providing a gap 87 between the sphere 86 and the clutch member 81, the possibility of contact between them is avoided.

  The first motor 61 of the main body driving unit 60 and the second motor 95 of the clutch driving unit 90 are electrically connected to the above-described control unit 100 that controls these operations. The control unit 100 causes the button pressing unit 41 to move upward from the tray unit 3 before guidance for prompting the pressing operation of the button pressing unit 41 is displayed according to a specific effect (for example, reach effect) during the game. It moves to the protruding second protruding position Pu2 (see FIG. 2A).

  That is, as will be described later, the control unit 100 performs a button effect that moves the button operation unit 40 during the game. The button effect is executed when the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a button effect that raises the button operation unit 40 based on the result of the big hit lottery or the like.

  When the button effect is executed, one of patterns 1 to 4 included in the button ascending pattern table shown in FIG. 7 is selected. Pattern 1 is a protruding operation of the button operation unit 40 using only the extension of the compression coil spring 55, and Pattern 2 is an operation of the button operation unit 40 using the extension of the compression coil spring 55 and the power of the first motor 61 at the same time. The pattern 3 is a protruding operation of the button operation unit 40 using the power of the first motor 61 after the compression coil spring 55 is extended, and the pattern 4 is a button using the power of the first motor 61. This is a protruding operation of the operation unit 40.

  The control unit 100 selects any one of the patterns 1 to 4 when selecting the button effect operation. When the protrusion operation of the button operation unit 40 is selected, the control unit 100 causes the button operation unit 40 to protrude according to the selected protrusion pattern of the button operation unit 40, as shown in FIG. Details of the operation of the rising pattern of the selected button operation unit 40 will be described later.

  When the button operation unit 40 protrudes from the tray unit 3, the control unit 100 performs display related to a specific effect (for example, reach effect) on the symbol display unit 107, various accessories, various lamps, and the like. At the same time, the symbol display unit 107 is caused to display a guidance display for prompting the pressing operation of the button pressing unit 41 (notification for prompting the player to press the button pressing unit 41 by a message or the like).

  When the guidance display is completed, the control unit 100 moves the button operation unit 40 from the protruded state to the retracted position Pd retracted to the tray unit side.

  Here, the protrusion operation | movement of the button operation part 40 using only the expansion | extension of the compression coil spring 55 of the pattern 1 among the raising controls of the button operation part 40 in button production is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 13A, when the button operating unit 40 moved to the retracted position Pd is moved to the first protruding position Pu1, the clutch is driven to bring the power transmission clutch 80 in the connected state into the disconnected state. The second motor 95 of the unit 90 is driven to move one clutch member 81 of the power transmission clutch 80 in a direction away from the other clutch member 82, so that the power transmission clutch 80 is in a disconnected state. As a result, the power transmission path 64 of the main body drive unit 60 and the first motor 61 are not connected, and the support main body 43 is in a free state. For this reason, the support main body 43 and the button pressing portion 41 attached thereto are moved upward by the extension of the compressed compression coil spring 55, and the button operating portion 40 is moved from the retracted position Pd to the first protruding position Pu1. (See FIG. 13 (c)). Although FIG. 13C shows the power transmission clutch 80 in the connected state, the power transmission clutch 80 is in a disconnected state when the compression coil spring 55 is extended.

  As described above, the button operation unit 40 moves from the retracted position Pd to the first projecting position Pu1 due to the expansion of the compressed compression coil spring 55, and therefore, between the time 0 and t1, as indicated by the solid line 1 in FIG. The button operation unit 40 protrudes instantaneously, and the button operation unit 40 has a higher projection speed than the projection speed (corresponding to the pattern 4) of the button operation unit 40 indicated by a three-dot chain line depending only on the driving force of the first motor 61. The operation part 40 can be protruded. Therefore, when the button operation unit 40 protrudes, a more effective impact can be given to the player. In FIG. 8, the vertical axis indicates the protruding length of the button operation unit 40 with respect to the tray unit 3, and the horizontal axis indicates time. For this reason, the inclination of each line means the protruding speed of the button operation unit 40.

  Next, the protruding operation of the button operation unit 40 using the simultaneous action of the extension of the compression coil spring 55 of the pattern 2 and the first motor 61 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11A, when the button operating unit 40 moved to the retracted position Pd is moved to the second projecting position Pu2, the second motor 95 of the clutch driving unit 90 is driven to drive one of the power transmission clutch 80. The clutch member 81 is moved away from the other clutch member 82, the power transmission clutch 80 is disengaged, and the compressed compression spring 55 is compressed to push the support main body 43 and the button attached thereto. The part 41 is moved upward.

  When the button operation unit 40 moves from the reverse position Pd to the first projecting position Pu1 shown in FIG. 11C, the control unit 100 puts the power transmission clutch 80 in the connected state as shown in FIG. 11B. At the same time, the first motor 61 is driven. Accordingly, the button operation unit 40 moves upward by the extension of the compressed compression coil spring 55 and the power of the first motor 61, and the button operation unit 40 exceeds the first protruding position Pu1 (see FIG. 11C). To the second protruding position Pu2 (see FIG. 12C).

  Here, the control unit 100 drives the first motor 61 after a lapse of a predetermined time from when the power transmission clutch 80 is brought into the disconnected state. The predetermined time here refers to the time from when the first motor 61 is driven to when the button operation unit 40 moves to a position before the first protruding position Pu1. For this reason, if the predetermined time is set to zero, the power of the first motor 61 can be applied to the support main body 43 simultaneously with the extension of the compression coil spring 55.

  The control unit 100 performs the first operation when the button operation unit 40 moves to the second protruding position Pu2 with respect to the drive shaft 61a of the first motor 61 after a predetermined time has elapsed from when the power transmission clutch 80 is turned off. The rotation amount of the drive shaft 61a of one motor 61 is set in advance, and the first motor 61 is rotated by the set rotation amount when a predetermined time elapses after the power transmission clutch 80 is disconnected.

  As described above, when the button operation unit 40 moves in the protruding direction due to the extension of the compressed compression coil spring 55, the power of the first motor 61 further acts on the support main body 43 to move the button pressing unit 41 in the protruding direction. Therefore, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line 2 in FIG. 8, the protrusion speed (three points) of the button operation unit 40 depends only on the driving force of the first motor 61 until the protrusion length of the button operation unit 40 reaches L0. It is possible to obtain a higher protruding speed than the inclination of the chain line. Therefore, when the button operation unit 40 protrudes, a more effective impact can be given to the player. Further, since the driving force of the first motor 61 acts on the support main body 43 when the compression coil spring 55 is extended, the rising speed of the first motor 61 can be increased, and the protruding operation of the button operation unit 40 changes abruptly. The button operation unit 40 can be protruded at a continuous protrusion speed.

  Next, the protrusion operation of the button operation unit 40 using the power of the first motor 61 after the extension of the compression coil spring 55 of the pattern 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13A, when the button operation unit 40 moved to the retreat position Pd is moved to the second protruding position Pu2, the control unit 100 is in a state where the button operation unit 40 is located at the retreat position Pd. Thus, the power transmission clutch 80 is disengaged, and the button operating portion 40 is moved from the retracted position Pd to the first projecting position Pu1 by the extension of the compressed compression coil spring 55 (FIGS. 13B and 13C). )reference). When the button operation unit 40 moves to the first projecting position Pu1, the compression coil spring 55 is fully extended (natural state).

  When the button operation unit 40 moves to the first protruding position Pu1, the control unit 100 places the power transmission clutch 80 in the connected state and drives the first motor 61 as shown in FIG. The button operation unit 40 is moved to the second protruding position Pu2 by the power of the motor 61 (see FIG. 12C). The time from when the button operation unit 40 is moved to the first protruding position Pu1 until the first motor 61 is driven is set in advance. This set time may be set according to a button effect execution command (described later), or may be the same time regardless of the command.

  Since the control unit 100 moves the button operation unit 40 from the first protruding position Pu1 to the second protruding position Pu2, the control unit 100 moves to the drive shaft 61a of the first motor 61 when the button operating unit 40 is positioned at the first protruding position Pu1. On the other hand, the rotation amount of the drive shaft 61a of the first motor 61 when the button operation unit 40 moves to the second protruding position Pu2 is set, and when the rotation amount reaches the set rotation amount, the first motor 61 is rotated. Stop.

  As described above, when the button operating unit 40 moves from the retracted position Pd to the second protruding position Pu2, the button operating unit 40 moves by the extension of the compressed compression coil spring 55 and then moves by the power of the first motor 61. As shown by the broken line 3 in FIG. 8, the mode of the projecting operation of the button effect can be further increased, and a more effective impact can be given to the player.

  When the guidance display in the button effect ends, the control unit 100 performs the return operation (rush operation) of the button operation unit 40 using the power of the first motor 61. That is, as shown in FIG. 12B, the control unit 100 rotates the first motor 61 of the main body driving unit 60 in the reverse direction while keeping the power transmission clutch 80 in the connected state. When the first motor 61 rotates in the reverse direction, the power of the first motor 61 is transmitted to the support main body 43 via the power transmission path 64 of the main body drive unit 60, and the support main body 43 moves downward. As a result, the button pressing portion 41 moves to the retracted position Pd as shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the button effect ends during the game, the control unit 100 automatically moves the button operation unit 40 to the retreat position Pd as indicated by a two-dot chain line 4 in FIG. However, the game does not proceed indefinitely while still projecting greatly from the tray unit 3. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the possibility of inconsistency in production between the production contents in the gaming machine 1 and the protruding state of the button operation unit 40.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the button operation unit 40 is moved from the first protruding position Pu1 to the second protruding position Pu2 using the power of the first motor 61 has been described. As shown by a solid line A, the projection length of the button operating portion 40 is smaller than the projection length L corresponding to the second projection position Pu2, and is larger than the projection length L0 corresponding to the first projection position Pu1. The operation of the first motor 61 may be controlled so that the button operation unit 40 reciprocates between L3 and L3 (L2 <L3). Further, as shown by a solid line B in FIG. 9, when the protruding length of the button operation unit 40 reaches a position L1 that is smaller than the second protruding position L2 and larger than L0, the button is utilized using the power of the first motor 61. After the operating portion 40 is moved to a position smaller than the protruding length L0, the button operating portion 40 protrudes beyond the protruding length L0 using the extension of the compression coil spring 55 and the power of the first motor 61. You may control the action | operation of the 1st motor 61 and the 2nd motor 95 so that the movement which protrudes to the position of L1 may be reciprocated.

  If it does in this way, the aspect of the protrusion operation | movement of a button effect can be increased further, and a more interesting effect can be performed with respect to a player.

  Next, the control unit 100 that controls the operation of the button operation unit 40 as described above will be described. FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control unit 100. The control unit 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. The CPU 101 reads out a program stored in the ROM 102 based on various signals, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device and display, or transmits a command to another board according to the result of the arithmetic processing. To do. The RAM 103 functions as a data work area when the CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing.

  A main body driving unit 60 is connected to the output side of the control unit 100, and controls the operation of the first motor 61 and the second motor 95 of the main body driving unit 60. In addition, a notification unit H (speaker 106 or symbol display unit 107) is connected to the output side of the control unit 100, and various types of information transmitted from the control unit 100 as the game progresses are connected to the notification unit H. Various notifications (including effects and the like) are performed based on the command.

  On the other hand, a button operation unit 40 is connected to the input side of the control unit 100, and when the button pressing unit 41 is in a pressed state, the detection of this pressed state is detected by the control unit 100 as a detection signal. It is to be sent.

  Below, the button effect process which moves the button operation part 40 during a game which the control part 100 (CPU101) controls is demonstrated using FIGS. 15-24.

  The control unit 100 receives an effect command related to the big hit lottery or the like, or a switch pressing command indicating that the pressing operation (input operation) is received by the button pressing unit 41, analyzes this, and analyzes the button operating unit 40. Control the behavior. In the present embodiment, when a pressing operation is received by the button pressing unit 41, a switch ON signal (switch pressing command) corresponding to the pressing operation is transmitted from the button operating unit 40 to the control unit while the pressing operation is being performed. 100 will continue to be transmitted. That is, when a placement object or the like is placed on the button pressing portion 41, the button pressing portion 41 is kept pressed, and a switch corresponding to the pressing is kept during this pressed state. The ON signal (switch pressing command) is continuously transmitted to the control unit 100.

When the switch pressing command is transmitted to the control unit 100, the control unit 100 determines whether the command can be used for various effects or a command that cannot be used for various effects. . And when it determines with the command which can be used for various productions, a switch press command will be reflected in various productions. “Reflection” as used here is used (used as an effect on the content of the production and the development of the production, such as whether the content of the production changes or does not change depending on whether there is a switch pressing command. ) Means.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the command cannot be used for various effects, the switch pressing command is not reflected in the contents of the various effects. That is, the switch pressing command is not used (utilized) as an effect on the contents of the effect and the development of the effect.

  First, the flow of various processes in the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S100)
In step S100, the control unit 100 determines an effect pattern based on the result of the jackpot lottery (effect pattern determination process). Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Step 200)
In step S <b> 200, the control unit 100 performs processing (button operation control processing) for controlling the operation (up or down) of the button operation unit 40. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

(Step S300)
In step S <b> 300, the control unit 100 executes a process (notification process) for performing notification related to button operation. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the effect pattern determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S101)
In step S101, the control unit 100 determines an effect pattern based on the result of the jackpot lottery. This production pattern is provided with a variety of production patterns, such as a production pattern that reaches a reach state and a production pattern that is a big hit. After referencing the results of the jackpot lottery, one production pattern is drawn by lottery. Etc. This effect pattern includes a button effect execution pattern, which will be described later.

(Step S102)
In step S102, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button effect execution pattern is determined as the effect pattern in step S101. This button effect execution pattern refers to an effect pattern that activates the button operation unit 40. That is, according to the button effect execution pattern, control for raising the button operation unit 40 or control for lowering the button operation unit 40 is performed (that is, button effect is executed).

(Step S103)
In step S103, the control unit 100 turns on the button effect execution flag. The button effect execution flag is turned ON / OFF in a button effect execution flag storage area provided in a predetermined storage area in the RAM 103 of the control unit 100.

(Step S104)
In step S104, the control unit 100 sets effect pattern data. Thereby, the effect according to the set effect pattern is executed in the notification unit H (speaker 106, symbol display unit 107, etc.).

(Step S105)
In step S105, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button effect execution flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the button effect execution flag is not ON, the effect command reception process is terminated, and if it is determined that the button effect execution flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S106. .

(Step S106)
In step S106, the control unit 100 turns off the button effect execution flag, and moves the process to step S107.

(Step S107)
In step S107, the control unit 100 turns on the button lowering flag. The button lowering flag is turned ON / OFF in a button lowering flag storage area provided in a predetermined storage area in the RAM 103 of the control unit 100. When the button lowering flag is turned ON, control for lowering the button operation unit 40 that has been raised to a predetermined height position by the button effect (hereinafter referred to as “down control”) is executed.

  Next, the button operation control process will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Step S201)
In step S201, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it is currently in the notification mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a flag (notification mode flag) that is turned on / off is turned on in a notification mode flag storage area provided in a predetermined storage area in the RAM 103 of the control unit 100.

  This notification mode refers to an obstacle (game) within the operating range of the button operation unit 40 (within the movable region in which the button operation unit 40 is raised or lowered) when the button operation unit 40 is activated (raised or lowered). This mode is set when it is detected that there is a possession such as a player, or a player's hand or elbow), and an effect that prompts the player to remove the obstacle (announcement, warning, etc.) This is the mode in which is executed. At this time, if it is determined that the notification mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S209. If it is determined that the notification mode is set, the process proceeds to step S202.

(Step S202)
In step S202, the control unit 100 determines whether a switch pressing command has been received. That is, it is determined whether or not the button pressing unit 41 has received a pressing operation. At this time, if it is determined that the switch pressing command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S206. If it is determined that the switch pressing command has been received, the process proceeds to step S203.

(Step S203)
In step S203, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the notification mode time has ended. This notification mode time will be described later in the notification mode setting process of FIG. At this time, if it is determined that the notification mode time has not ended, the button operation control process is terminated, and if it is determined that the notification mode time has ended, the process proceeds to step S204.

(Step S204)
In step S204, the control unit 100 decides to wait at the reverse position Pd without raising the button operation unit 40 to the maximum height position Pu2 (second projecting position Pu2, see FIG. 12) (uplift cancellation). processing).

(Step S205)
In step S <b> 205, the control unit 100 ends the button operation control process after executing the notification mode end process. The notification mode is terminated by the process of step S205.

(Step S206)
In step S206, the control unit 100 executes the notification mode end process, and then moves the process to step S210. The notification mode is terminated by the processing in step S206.

  That is, the notification mode ends when the notification mode time ends when the step S205 is passed (when the obstacle is not removed), and when the step S206 is passed (the obstacle is removed). In this case, the notification mode time ends immediately regardless of whether or not the notification mode time has ended.

(Step S207)
In step S207, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button rising flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the button rising flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S220. If it is determined that the button rising flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S208.

(Step S208)
In step S208, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button effect execution flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the button effect execution flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S213. If it is determined that the button effect execution flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S209.

(Step S209)
In step S209, the control unit 100 determines whether a switch pressing command has been received. That is, it is determined whether or not the button pressing unit 41 has received a pressing operation. At this time, if it is determined that a switch pressing command has been received, the process proceeds to step S214. If it is determined that a switch pressing command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S210.

(Step S210)
In step S210, the control unit 100 determines a control pattern for raising the button operation unit 40 to the maximum height position Pu2 (second protrusion position Pu2, see FIG. 12) (maximum position increase pattern determination process). Specifically, one pattern is determined from the button ascending pattern table shown in FIG. 7, and control for raising the effect button according to the determined pattern (hereinafter referred to as “rising control”) is executed.

(Step S211)
In step S211, the control unit 100 starts control to raise the button operation unit 40 to the second protruding position Pu2. Specifically, the drive source (the compression coil spring 55 or the first motor 61) of the button operation unit 40 is operated to raise the button operation unit 40 toward the second protruding position Pu2.

(Step S212)
In step S212, the control unit 100 turns on the button rising flag.

(Step S213)
In step S213, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button lowering flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the button lowering flag is not ON, the button operation control process is terminated, and if it is determined that the button lowering flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S240. Move.

(Step S214)
In step S214, the control unit 100 executes notification mode setting processing. This notification mode setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the processing in steps S220 to S230 will be described with reference to FIG. The processing here is mainly performed at the time of raising control of the button operation unit 40.

(Step S220)
In step S220, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the interruption notification mode is currently in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a flag (interrupt notification mode flag) that is turned on / off in the interrupt notification mode flag storage area provided in a predetermined storage area in the RAM 103 of the control unit 100 is turned on. .

  In the interruption notification mode, when the button operation unit 40 is in operation (ascending or descending), an obstacle (game) within the operation range of the button operation unit 40 (in a movable region that moves up or down). This mode is set when there is a player's belongings or the player's hand or elbow, etc., and a mode in which the player is cautioned to remove this obstacle (announcement, warning, etc.) is executed. I mean. At this time, if it is determined that the interruption notification mode is not in effect, the process proceeds to step S225. If it is determined that the interruption notification mode is in effect, the process proceeds to step S221.

(Step S221)
In step S221, the control unit 100 determines whether a switch pressing command has been received. At this time, if it is determined that a switch pressing command has been received, the process proceeds to step S224. If it is determined that a switch pressing command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S222.

(Step S222)
In step S222, the control unit 100 executes an interruption notification mode end process. Thereby, the interruption notification mode ends.

(Step S223)
In step S223, the control unit 100 resumes the ascent control of the button operation unit 40. Specifically, the drive source (first motor 61) in the button operation unit 40 is actuated again to raise the button operation unit toward a predetermined height position (second projecting position Pu2 or first projecting position Pu1). Let

(Step S224)
In step S224, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the interruption notification mode time has ended. The interruption notification mode time will be described later with reference to FIG. At this time, if it is determined that the interruption notification mode time has not ended, the button operation control process is ended, and if it is determined that the interruption notification mode time has ended, the process proceeds to step S229. .

(Step S225)
In step S225, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button operation unit 40 has been raised to the maximum protruding position (which indicates the “maximum height position Pu2”). At this time, if it is determined that the position has risen to the maximum protruding position, the process proceeds to step S230. If it is determined that the position has not increased to the maximum protruding position, the process proceeds to step S226.

(Step S226)
In step S226, the control unit 100 determines whether a switch pressing command has been received. At this time, if it is determined that the switch pressing command has not been received, the button operation control process is terminated, and if it is determined that the switch pressing command has been received, the process proceeds to step S227.

(Step S227)
In step S227, at the time when the process of step S227 is performed, the control unit 100 moves up to a height position at which the button operation unit 40 on which the lift control is performed can interrupt the lift control. It is determined whether or not. That is, when the button operation unit 40 is lifted by the driving force of the spring, it is determined whether or not a height position that can be lifted by the spring is exceeded. At this time, if it is determined that the button operation unit 40 is not at a height position at which the raising control can be interrupted, the button operation control process is terminated, and the button operation unit 40 is at a height position at which the raising control can be interrupted. If so, the process moves to step S228.

(Step S228)
In step S228, the control unit 100 interrupts the ascent control of the button operation unit 40. Thereby, the raising control of the button operation unit 40 is interrupted, and the button operation unit 40 is temporarily stopped at a height position lower than a predetermined height position.

(Step S229)
In step S229, the control unit 100 executes an interruption notification mode setting process. This interruption notification mode setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Step S230)
In step S230, the control unit 100 stops the ascent control of the button operation unit 40. Accordingly, the button operation unit 40 that has been raised to the predetermined height position (second protruding position Pu2) is stopped at the predetermined height position.

  Next, the processing in steps S240 to S250 will be described with reference to FIG. The processing here is mainly performed at the time of lowering control of the button operation unit 40.

(Step S240)
In step S240, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the interruption notification mode is currently in progress. Since the determination here is the same as in step S220, description thereof is omitted. At this time, if it is determined that the interruption notification mode is not in effect, the process proceeds to step S245. If it is determined that the interruption notification mode is in effect, the process proceeds to step S241.

(Step S241)
In step S241, the control unit 100 determines whether a switch pressing command has been received. At this time, if it is determined that the switch pressing command has been received, the process proceeds to step S244, and if it is determined that the switch pressing command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S242.

(Step S242)
In step S242, the control unit 100 executes an interruption notification mode end process. Thereby, the interruption notification mode ends.

(Step S243)
In step S243, the control unit 100 resumes the lowering control of the button operation unit 40. Specifically, the drive source (first motor 61) of the button operation unit 40 is actuated again to lower the button operation unit 40 toward the initial position Pd (retreat position Pd, see FIG. 10).

(Step S244)
In step S244, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the interruption notification mode time has ended. The interruption notification mode time will be described later with reference to FIG. At this time, if it is determined that the interruption notification mode time has not ended, the button operation control process is terminated. If it is determined that the interruption notification mode time has ended, the process proceeds to step S248. Move.

(Step S245)
In step S245, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button operation unit 40 has been lowered to the reverse position Pd. At this time, if it is determined that the position has been lowered to the reverse position Pd, the process proceeds to step S249. If it is determined that the position has not been lowered to the reverse position Pd, the process proceeds to step S246.

(Step S246)
In step S246, the control unit 100 determines whether a switch pressing command has been received. At this time, when it is determined that the switch pressing command has not been received, the button operation control process is terminated, and when it is determined that the switch pressing command has been received, the process proceeds to step S247.

(Step S247)
In step S247, the control unit 100 interrupts the lowering control of the button operation unit 40. Thereby, the lowering control of the button operation unit 40 is interrupted, and the button operation unit 40 is temporarily stopped at a height position higher than the retreat position Pd.

(Step S248)
In step S248, the control unit 100 ends the button operation control process after executing the interruption notification mode setting process. This interruption notification mode setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Step S249)
In step S249, the control unit 100 stops the lowering control of the button operation unit 40. As a result, the button operation unit 40 lowered to the reverse position Pd stops at the reverse position Pd.

(Step S250)
In step S250, the control unit 100 turns off the button lowering flag and ends the button operation control process.

  Next, the notification mode setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S216-1)
In step S216-1, the control unit 100 starts measuring the notification mode time. A predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) is predetermined as the “notification mode time”.

(Step S216-2)
In step S216-2, the control unit 100 turns on the notification mode flag and ends the notification mode setting process.

  Next, the interruption notification mode setting process will be described with reference to FIG. The interruption notification mode setting process is executed in step S231 and step S248, and these processes have the same contents.

(Step S231-1) (Step S248-1)
In step S231-1 (step S248-1), the control unit 100 starts measuring the interruption notification mode time. A predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) is predetermined as the “interruption notification mode time”.

(Step S231-2)
In step S231-2 (step S248-2), the control unit 100 turns on the interruption notification mode flag and ends the interruption notification mode setting process.

  Next, the notification mode end process will be described with reference to FIG. The notification mode end process is executed in step S207 and step S208, and these processes have the same contents.

(Step S207-1) (Step S208-1)
In step S207-1 (step S208-1), the control unit 100 ends the notification mode. Specifically, the effect being executed as the notification mode is terminated.

(Step S207-2) (Step S208-2)
In step S207-2 (step S208-2), the control unit 100 turns off the notification mode flag and ends the notification mode end processing.

  Next, the interruption notification mode end process will be described with reference to FIG. The interruption notification mode end process is executed in step S222 and step S242. These processes have the same contents.

(Step S222-1) (Step S242-1)
In step S222-1 (step S242-1), the control unit 100 ends the interruption notification mode. Specifically, the effect being executed as the interruption notification mode is ended.

(Step S222-2) (Step S242-2)
In step S222-2 (step S242-2), the control unit 100 turns off the interruption notification mode flag and ends the interruption notification mode end process.

  Next, the notification process will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step S301)
In step S301, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the notification mode flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the notification mode flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S303, and if it is determined that the notification mode flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S302.

(Step S302)
In step S302, the control unit 100 executes the notification mode effect for a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds). This notification mode effect is generated by the symbol display unit 107 and the speaker 106 from within the operating range of the button operation unit 40 (within the movable region in which the button operation unit 40 is raised or lowered), obstacles (possible items such as players, This is an effect that urges the player to pay attention (announcement, warning, etc.) to remove the player's hand and elbow. For example, a message such as “Please do not place an object on the button!” Or a voice is output (see FIG. 31).
In addition, FIG. 31 is an example of the effect image performed in the symbol display unit 107 in the notification mode effect. For example, in FIG. 31A, in the symbol display area 107a in the symbol display unit 107, numbers such as “7, 6, 5” (so-called decorative symbols) fluctuate. A message M "Do not place an object ..." is displayed in the notification area 107b. In this way, by performing the notification mode effect without disturbing the display of the decorative symbols, the player is prevented from feeling uncomfortable as much as possible while urging the player. FIG. 31B is an example of an effect image when the ratio of the notification area 107b is increased as compared to the symbol display area 107a. As described above, even if the proportion of the notification area 107b is larger than that of the symbol display area 107a, the display of the decorative symbols is not hindered. As much as possible.
In addition, when performing the notification mode effect by voice or warning by the speaker 106, the sound effect output in the normal decorative symbol variation display is muted or the volume is lowered and the notification mode by the speaker 106 is performed. Produce. As a result, it is possible to call the player's attention as described above also by voice.

(Step S303)
In step S303, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the interruption notification mode flag is ON. At this time, when it is determined that the interruption notification mode flag is not turned on, the notification process is terminated, and when it is determined that the interruption notification mode flag is turned on, the process proceeds to step S304. .

(Step S304)
In step S304, the control unit 100 executes the interruption notification mode effect. This interruption notification mode effect is also an effect having the same contents as the notification mode effect, and is an effect that prompts the player to pay attention (announcement, warning, etc.) to remove the obstacle from the button pressing unit 41.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the button operation unit 40 performs the protruding operation, the button pressing unit is obstructed by an obstacle (a player's property such as a wallet or cigarette, a player's hand or elbow, etc.) When a pressing operation is performed on 41, a notification is given to dismiss this. By giving such notification, the player can be urged not to put his / her hand or elbow on the button or to place his / her property, etc., and to make the protruding operation of the button operation unit 40 as much as possible. It can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, even if the above notification is performed, if the player does not move away the obstacle, the button operation unit 40 does not protrude, so the button operation unit 40 It is possible to avoid a situation in which the button hitting portion 41 (button pressing surface 41b) hits the player's hand or elbow by the protruding operation and the player injuries the hand or elbow.

In the present embodiment, the function of the button operation unit 40 (the function of determining whether the button is pressed or not pressed) is used to detect that an obstacle is in contact with the button pressing unit 41. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a contact-type sensor such as a pressure sensor may be provided around the button pressing unit 41 and the button pressing unit 41 to detect an obstacle contact.
The vicinity (periphery) of the button pressing unit 41 (or the button operating unit 40) means that the range that can be detected by the sensor is an obstacle (a player's hand or This means that the vicinity of the button pressing portion 41 (or the button operation portion 40) is included to the extent that the range including the collision of the elbow or the placement object) is included.

  In the present embodiment, when the control unit 100 interrupts the upward control of the button operation unit 40 in step S228, and when the control unit 100 interrupts the downward control of the button operation unit 40 in step S247. The button operation unit 40 is temporarily stopped, but is not limited thereto. For example, the button operation unit 40 that has been raised (or lowered) at a high speed until then is raised (or lowered) at a low speed, or an operation pattern when moving up (or descending) (mode when moving) You may change things. Specifically, by operating the second motor 95 to bring the clutch member 81 and the clutch member 82 into a connected state or a non-connected state, the speed or operation when the button operation unit 40 is raised (or lowered). This is possible by adjusting the pattern. The operation pattern means a mode in which the button operation unit 40 moves according to a predetermined pattern such as “low speed movement → medium speed movement → high speed movement”.

  In the said embodiment, when the obstacle was contacting the button press part 41, although the form which alert | reported to retreat this was described about the form, below, as a modification of the said embodiment, the button press part 41 is obstructed. This is a case where the object is not in contact and the obstacle prevents the button operation unit 40 from projecting, that is, when there is an obstacle in the movable region when the button operation unit 40 is raised or lowered. The form which alert | reports so that it may withdraw is demonstrated.

(Modification)
In this modification, the support main body 43 includes a sensor 200 in the insertion shaft portion 44. That is, FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the button operation mechanism of this modification example, and in addition to the exploded perspective view of the button operation mechanism in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, a sensor 200 is newly provided.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the detection range of the sensor 200. The sensor 200 is a diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor including a light emitting element 201 and a light receiving element 202. Further, the pressing surface 41b of the button pressing portion 41 is formed so as to be able to transmit the signal light S1 from the light emitting element 201. The signal light S1 emitted from the light emitting element 201 has an obstacle (in this example, a player's hand) within a distance L (the same distance as the protruding length L of the button) upward from the button pressing surface 41b. In some cases, the signal light S1 is reflected by the obstacle and becomes reflected light S2. The reflected light S <b> 2 directed toward the light receiving element 202 is detected by the light receiving element 202. That is, when there is an obstacle on the upper side (projection direction) where the button operation unit 40 performs the projecting operation, this can be detected.

  FIG. 27 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control unit 100 in the modified example. The control unit 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. A main body driving unit 60 and a notification unit H (speaker 106 and symbol display unit 107) are connected to the output side of the control unit 100. This is the same as the control unit 100 in the above-described embodiment already described in FIG.

  The sensor 200 is connected to the input side of the control unit 100, and when there is an obstacle above the button pressing surface 41b, this is transmitted to the control unit 100 as a detection signal. In the present modification, when there is an obstacle above the button pressing surface 41b, a detection signal (obstacle detection signal) in which the obstacle is detected is continuously transmitted from the sensor 200 to the control unit 100. That is, when a player's hand or elbow is crushed above the button pressing surface 41b, a detection signal (obstacle detection signal) in which the obstacle is detected continues to be transmitted to the control unit 100. Become.

  Next, button effect processing controlled by the control unit 100 (CPU 101) in the present modification will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that, in this modification as well, processing similar to that already described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 24 is performed, and thus description of similar processing is omitted as appropriate.

(Step S201A)
In step S201A, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it is currently in the notification mode. At this time, if it is determined that the notification mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S209A. If it is determined that the notification mode is set, the process proceeds to step S202A.

(Step S202A)
In step S202A, the control unit 100 determines whether an obstacle detection signal has been received. That is, it is determined whether there is an obstacle above the button pressing surface 41b. At this time, if it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step S208A. If it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S203A.

(Step S203A)
In step S203A, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the notification mode time has ended. The notification mode time is as described in the notification mode setting process of FIG. At this time, when it is determined that the notification mode time has not ended, the button operation control process is ended, and when it is determined that the notification mode time has ended, the process proceeds to step S204A.

(Step S204A)
In step S204A, the control unit 100 determines a control pattern for raising the button operation unit 40 to the minimum height position Pu1 (first protrusion position Pu1, see FIG. 11) (minimum position increase pattern determination process). Specifically, one pattern is determined from the button ascending pattern table shown in FIG. 7, and control for raising the effect button according to the determined pattern (hereinafter referred to as “rising control”) is executed. .

(Step S205A)
In step S205A, the control unit 100 starts control to raise the button operation unit 40 to the first protruding position Pu1. Specifically, the drive source (the compression coil spring 55 or the first motor 61) of the button operation unit 40 is operated to raise the button operation unit 40 toward the first protruding position Pu1.

(Step S206A)
In step S206A, the control unit 100 turns on the button rising flag. The button rising flag is turned ON / OFF in a button rising flag storage area provided in a predetermined storage area in the RAM 103 of the control unit 100.

(Step S207A)
In step S207A, after executing the notification mode end process, the control unit 100 ends the button operation control process. The notification mode is terminated by the processing in step S207A.

(Step S208A)
In step S208A, after executing the notification mode end process, the control unit 100 moves the process to step S212A. The notification mode is terminated by the process of step S208A.

  That is, the notification mode ends after it is determined that the notification mode time ends and the effect button is raised to the first protruding position Pu1 when the above-described step S207A is passed (when the obstacle is not removed). Thus, when the process goes through step S208A (when the obstacle is removed), the notification mode time ends immediately, regardless of whether or not the notification mode time has ended.

(Step S209A)
In step S209A, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button rising flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the button rising flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S220A. If it is determined that the button rising flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S210A.

(Step S210A)
In step S210A, control unit 100 determines whether or not the button effect execution flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the button effect execution flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S215A. If it is determined that the button effect execution flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S211A.

(Step S211A)
In step S211A, the control unit 100 determines whether an obstacle detection signal has been received. That is, it is determined whether there is an obstacle above the button pressing surface 41b. At this time, if it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S216A. If it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step S212A.

(Step S212A)
In step S212A, the control unit 100 determines a control pattern for raising the button operation unit 40 to the maximum height position Pu2 (second protrusion position Pu2, see FIG. 12) (maximum position increase pattern determination process).

(Step S213A)
In step S213A, the control unit 100 starts control to raise the button operation unit 40 to the second protruding position Pu2. Specifically, the drive source (the compression coil spring 55 or the first motor 61) of the button operation unit 40 is operated to raise the button operation unit 40 toward the second protruding position Pu2.

(Step S214A)
In step S214A, the control unit 100 turns on the button rising flag.

(Step S215A)
In step S215A, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button lowering flag is ON. At this time, if it is determined that the button lowering flag is not turned on, the button operation control process is terminated. If it is determined that the button lowering flag is turned on, the process proceeds to step S240A. Move.

(Step S216A)
In step S216A, control unit 100 executes notification mode setting processing. The notification mode setting process is as described with reference to FIG.

  Next, the processing of step S220A to step S232A will be described using FIG. The processing here is mainly performed at the time of raising control of the button operation unit 40.

(Step S220A)
In step S220A, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the interruption notification mode is currently in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a flag (interrupt notification mode flag) that is turned on / off in the interrupt notification mode flag storage area provided in a predetermined storage area in the RAM 103 of the control unit 100 is turned on. .

  In the interruption notification mode, when the button operation unit 40 is in operation (ascending or descending), an obstacle (game) within the operation range of the button operation unit 40 (in a movable region that moves up or down). This mode is set when there is a player's belongings or the player's hand or elbow, etc., and a mode in which the player is cautioned to remove this obstacle (announcement, warning, etc.) is executed. I mean. At this time, if it is determined that the interruption notification mode is not in effect, the process proceeds to step S225A. If it is determined that the interruption notification mode is in effect, the process proceeds to step S221A.

(Step S221A)
In step S221A, the control unit 100 determines whether an obstacle detection signal has been received. At this time, if it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S224A. If it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step S222A.

(Step S222A)
In step S222A, the control unit 100 executes an interruption notification mode end process. Thereby, the interruption notification mode ends.

(Step S223A)
In step S223A, the control unit 100 resumes the upward control of the button operation unit 40. Specifically, the drive source (first motor 61) in the button operation unit 40 is actuated again to raise the button operation unit toward a predetermined height position (second projecting position Pu2 or first projecting position Pu1). Let

(Step S224A)
In step S224A, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the interruption notification mode time has ended. The interruption notification mode time will be described later with reference to FIG. At this time, when it is determined that the interruption notification mode time has not ended, the button operation control process is ended, and when it is determined that the interruption notification mode time has ended, the process proceeds to step S231A. .

(Step S225A)
In step S225A, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the predetermined height position for raising the button operation unit 40 is set to the first protruding position Pu1. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the upper limit height position (maximum protruding position) for raising the button operation unit 40 is set to the first protruding position Pu1 (minimum height position). At this time, if it is determined that the predetermined height position is not set to the first protruding position Pu1, the process proceeds to step S227A, and the predetermined height position is set to the first protruding position Pu1. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S226A.

(Step S226A)
In step S226A, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button operation unit 40 has been raised to the minimum protruding position (which indicates “minimum height position Pu1”). At this time, if it is determined that the position has risen to the minimum protruding position, the process proceeds to step S232A. If it is determined that the position has not increased to the minimum protruding position, the process proceeds to step S227A.

(Step S227A)
In step S227A, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button operation unit 40 has been raised to the maximum protruding position (which indicates the “maximum height position Pu2”). At this time, if it is determined that the position has risen to the maximum protruding position, the process proceeds to step S232A. If it is determined that the position has not increased to the maximum protruding position, the process proceeds to step S228A.

(Step S228A)
In step S228A, the control unit 100 determines whether an obstacle detection signal has been received. At this time, if it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has not been received, the button operation control process is terminated. If it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S229A. .

(Step S229A)
In step S229A, at the time when the process of step S229A is performed, the control unit 100 moves up to a height position at which the button operation unit 40 on which the upward control is performed can interrupt the upward control. It is determined whether or not. That is, when the button operation unit 40 is lifted by the driving force of the spring, it is determined whether or not a height position that can be lifted by the spring is exceeded. At this time, if it is determined that the button operation unit 40 is not at a height position at which the raising control can be interrupted, the button operation control process is terminated, and the button operation unit 40 is at a height position at which the raising control can be interrupted. If so, the process moves to step S230A.

(Step S230A)
In step S230A, the control unit 100 interrupts the ascent control of the button operation unit 40. Thereby, the raising control of the button operation unit 40 is interrupted, and the button operation unit 40 is temporarily stopped at a height position lower than a predetermined height position.

(Step S231A)
In step S231A, the control unit 100 executes an interruption notification mode setting process. The interruption notification mode setting process is as described with reference to FIG.

(Step S232A)
In step S232A, the control unit 100 stops the ascending control of the button operation unit 40. As a result, the button operation unit 40 that has risen to a predetermined height position (the second protruding position Pu2 or the first protruding position Pu1) stops at the predetermined height position.

  Next, the processing in steps S240A to S250A will be described with reference to FIG. The processing here is mainly performed at the time of lowering control of the button operation unit 40.

(Step S240A)
In step S240A, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the interruption notification mode is currently in progress. Since the determination here is the same as in step S220A, the description is omitted. At this time, if it is determined that the interruption notification mode is not in effect, the process proceeds to step S245A. If it is determined that the interruption notification mode is in effect, the process proceeds to step S241A.

(Step S241A)
In step S241A, the control unit 100 determines whether an obstacle detection signal has been received. At this time, if it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S244A. If it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step S242A.

(Step S242A)
In step S242A, the control unit 100 executes an interruption notification mode end process. Thereby, the interruption notification mode ends.

(Step S243A)
In step S243A, the control unit 100 resumes the lowering control of the button operation unit 40. Specifically, the drive source (first motor 61) of the button operation unit 40 is actuated again to lower the button operation unit 40 toward the initial position Pd (retreat position Pd, see FIG. 10).

(Step S244A)
In step S244A, control unit 100 determines whether or not the interruption notification mode time has ended. The interruption notification mode time will be described later with reference to FIG. At this time, if it is determined that the interruption notification mode time has not ended, the button operation control process is terminated. If it is determined that the interruption notification mode time has ended, the process proceeds to step S248A. Move.

(Step S245A)
In step S245A, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the button operation unit 40 has been lowered to the reverse position Pd. At this time, if it is determined that the position has been lowered to the reverse position Pd, the process proceeds to step S249A. If it is determined that the position has not been lowered to the reverse position Pd, the process proceeds to step S246A.

(Step S246A)
In step S246A, the control unit 100 determines whether an obstacle detection signal has been received. At this time, if it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has not been received, the button operation control process is terminated, and if it is determined that an obstacle detection signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S247A. .

(Step S247A)
In step S247A, the control unit 100 interrupts the lowering control of the button operation unit 40. Thereby, the lowering control of the button operation unit 40 is interrupted, and the button operation unit 40 is temporarily stopped at a height position higher than the retreat position Pd.

(Step S248A)
In step S248A, the control unit 100 ends the button operation control process after executing the interruption notification mode setting process. The interruption notification mode setting process is as described with reference to FIG.

(Step S249A)
In step S249A, the control unit 100 stops the lowering control of the button operation unit 40. As a result, the button operation unit 40 lowered to the reverse position Pd stops at the reverse position Pd.

(Step S250A)
In step S250A, the control unit 100 turns off the button lowering flag and ends the button operation control process.

  In addition, the notification mode effect in this modification is performed in substantially the same manner as in the above embodiment, but as the notification content, for example, a message such as “Dangerous!” Is output as shown in FIG. This suggests that the button operation unit 40 protrudes in the protruding direction of the button operation unit 40 (in the upper and lower movable areas when the button operation unit 40 is raised or lowered). It is desirable not to crawl hands or elbows or to rub objects.

  As described above, according to this modification, when the button operation unit 40 performs the protruding operation, an obstacle (such as a player's hand or elbow) is located above the button pressing surface 41b, and the button operation unit 40 If there is a possibility that the protruding operation may be hindered, a notification is given to dismiss it. By performing such notification, the player can be encouraged not to rub the player's own hand or elbow above the button pressing surface 41b, and the protrusion operation of the button operation unit 40 is not hindered as much as possible. Can be.

  Further, according to the present modification, even if the above-described notification is performed, if the player does not retreat the obstacle, the protrusion operation of the button operation unit 40 is the minimum height position (first protrusion position). Pu1). For this reason, while performing the button effect, the button operation unit 40 protrudes and the player's hand or elbow hits the button pressing unit 41 (button pressing surface 41b), causing the player to injure his hand or elbow. It is possible to avoid such a situation as much as possible.

In this modification, one sensor 200 is provided to detect an obstacle in the protruding direction of the button operation unit 40 (in the upper and lower movable areas when the button operation unit 40 is raised or lowered). Not limited to this. That is, a plurality of sensors 200 may be provided so that obstacles can be detected in the entire range of the button pressing surface 41b in addition to the above-described upper and lower movable regions.
Further, the sensor 200 may be arranged so as to extend the detection range to the vicinity (periphery) beyond the movable region of the button operation unit 40. In this way, when an obstacle is trapped at a position (area) that may hinder the protruding operation of the button operation unit 40, this can be notified, so that it may be an obstacle to the protruding operation of the button. Can be removed in advance.
The vicinity (periphery) beyond the movable region of the button operation unit 40 means that the range that can be detected by the sensor 200 is an obstacle (a player's hand or elbow) by the button operation unit 40 protruding. Or a place near the button operation unit 40 (or the button pressing unit 41).

  In this modification, when the control unit 100 interrupts the upward control of the button operation unit 40 in step S230A, and when the control unit 100 interrupts the downward control of the button operation unit 40 in step S247A. The button operation unit 40 is temporarily stopped, but is not limited thereto. For example, the button operation unit 40 that has been raised (or lowered) at a high speed until then is raised (or lowered) at a low speed, or an operation pattern when moving up (or descending) (mode when moving) You may change things. Specifically, by operating the second motor 95 to bring the clutch member 81 and the clutch member 82 into a connected state or a non-connected state, the speed or operation when the button operation unit 40 is raised (or lowered). This is possible by adjusting the pattern. The operation pattern means a mode in which the button operation unit 40 moves according to a predetermined pattern such as “low speed movement → medium speed movement → high speed movement”.

Note that the second protruding position Pu2 in the present embodiment corresponds to the upper protruding position of the present invention.
In addition, the button operation part 40 in this embodiment corresponds to the button main body which has the button of this invention.
Note that the control unit 100 in this embodiment corresponds to a movement determination unit, a movement execution unit, and a valid operation determination unit of the present invention.
In addition, the notification part H which consists of the symbol display part 107 and the speaker 106 in this embodiment corresponds to the alerting | reporting means of this invention.
In addition, the photosensor 44d and the sensor 200 in this embodiment correspond to the detection means of this invention, and the button press part 41 corresponds to the detection part of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 20 Button operation mechanism 41 Button press part 43 Support main-body part 46d Rack gear 55 Compression coil spring 60 Main body drive part 61 1st motor 61a Drive shaft 63 Power transmission shaft 64 Power transmission path 65 Drive gear 66 Rotation center shaft 70 Power interruption | blocking Clutch 71, 72, 81, 82 Clutch member 80 Power transmission clutch 90 Clutch drive unit 100 Control unit 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
106 Speaker 107 Symbol Display Unit 200 Sensor 201 Light-Emitting Element 202 Light-Receiving Element

Claims (5)

A gaming machine comprising a button main body having a button that can be pressed and moved between an initial position and an upper protruding position protruding from the initial position,
Movement determining means for determining whether to move the button body between the initial position and the upper protruding position;
Movement executing means for moving the button body when the movement determining means is determined to move the button body;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not there is an object within a detection range including a movement range from the initial position to which the button main body can move to the upper protruding position;
An informing means for informing the outside of the gaming machine that the object is moved out of the moving range when an object is detected by the detecting means;
A gaming machine comprising: The detection means includes
The button body and a detection unit in the vicinity of the button body,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the presence of the object in the detection range is detected by contact of the object with the detection unit. A pressing operation enabling means for enabling a pressing operation on the button;
The notification means is when the detection means detects that there is an object within the detection range, and the button body is in the initial position,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the pressing operation for the button is not enabled by the pressing operation enabling means, the notification is performed to the outside.   The notification means notifies the outside when the detection means detects that there is an object within the detection range and when the movement determination means determines to move the button body. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein:   The notification means is configured to notify the outside when the button body is moved by the movement execution means and when the detection means detects that there is an object within the detection range. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

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