JP5791170B2 - OPERATING DEVICE FOR GAME MACHINE AND GAME MACHINE HAVING THE SAME - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device for a gaming machine and a gaming machine including the same.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines in which presentation parts such as a display device are provided on a gaming board have been widely provided, and the presentation methods are diversified. In particular, at present, there is a demand for a technique for increasing interest by increasing the player's degree of involvement in the game. For example, a push button that can be operated by the player is provided on the front side. It is conceived that a certain game state is generated in the display device and other effect parts when the push button is pressed. For example, Patent Literatures 1 and 2 are provided as such techniques.

  For example, in the operation switch device for gaming machines of Patent Document 1, the movable body (7) around the push button (6) protrudes by operating a transmission actuator (21) such as a solenoid. By causing the movable body (7) to project by driving the transmission actuator (21), a strong impact is being given to the player in a timely manner during the game. In this configuration, the push button (6) and the movable body (7) can be moved up and down independently, and the movable body (7) is moved to the first spring (18) when the transmission actuator (21) is not driven. The movable body (7) and the engaging piece (22) are engaged by the elasticity of the second spring (23) when the movable body (7) is moved against the elasticity of the second spring (23), and the movable body (7) is prevented from projecting. It has become so. When the transmission actuator (21) is driven, the engagement between the movable body (7) and the engagement piece (22) is released, and the movable body (7) is levitated to the protruding position.

  In the push button switch (16) for gaming machines of Patent Document 2, the protruding push button (17) is moved to a predetermined position (position where the engaging means (58) engages with the push button (17)) by the return means. A configuration that can automatically return is disclosed. In this configuration, in accordance with the operation of the transmission actuator (59), the push button (17) can be displaced to the protruding position by the urging of the first urging member (30). It has a strong impact on players. Further, even if the player does not press or forgets to press the protruding push button (17), the protruding push button (17) is automatically returned by the return means.

Japanese Patent No. 4543309 Japanese Patent No. 4461131

  However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 has a problem that the cooperation between the movable body (7) and the push button (6) is low. For example, in the configuration of FIGS. 1 to 7 of Patent Document 1, if the push button (6) is not pressed down considerably after the movable body (7) protrudes, the movable body (7) is not lowered and basically the push button. Since this is a configuration that is displaced independently of the movable body, the feeling that the push button (6) and the movable body (7) are separate buttons becomes extremely large. Further, in the configuration of FIG. 8 of Patent Document 1, after the movable body (7) protrudes, both the push button (6) and the movable body (7) protrude to increase the size of the button. Since the button (6) and the movable body (7) are configured to move up and down independently without being linked, the sense that the push button (6) and the movable body (7) are separate buttons. Becomes extremely large. In particular, when only the part of the movable body (7) is pressed or only the part of the push button (6) is pressed, only that part is lowered, so the feeling of “operating a huge button” is low. There is a problem that it ends up.

  Moreover, in the structure of patent document 2, although the change by the protrusion and non-protrusion of a button can be produced, since the button is comprised with the single component, the shape change of button itself cannot be given. . Therefore, it is difficult to give the impression that the button size (for example, the diameter of the button) becomes large, and it cannot be denied that the change is poor.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can provide a strong impact that the button size changes in a gaming machine operating device having a button that can be pressed, and the button size. An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration capable of giving an impression that the enlarged buttons are integrated as a whole.

The present invention is a gaming machine operating device that is attached to a gaming machine so as to be externally operable,
A fixed base portion that is directly or indirectly attached to the gaming machine main body or via another member;
An operation button that is configured to be relatively movable with respect to the fixed base portion, is held at a predetermined protruding position when not operated, and moves to a subsidence position that sinks from the protruding position when receiving a pressing operation;
Biasing means for biasing the operation button toward the protruding position;
It is provided adjacent to the operation button and is arranged so as to be relatively movable with respect to the fixed base portion. The movable button is movable between a predetermined floating position that has risen from the fixed base portion and a standby position that has been lowered from the floating position. Body,
Connection means for changing the operation button and the movable body between a connected state and a disconnected state;
With
The connecting means includes a coil part and a plunger part arranged so as to be able to enter the coil part, and the plunger part is relative to the coil part in accordance with switching between excitation and de-excitation of the coil part. A solenoid device that drives
The coil portion is fixed to one of the operation button and the movable body, and the plunger portion is fixed to the other,
A biasing force that causes the plunger portion to protrude from one end side of the coil portion is generated by at least one of the weight of the member on the coil portion side or the member on the plunger portion side and the biasing action of the biasing member. Is configured as
The movable body retracts to a predetermined position in response to the excitation release of the coil portion, and the operation button can be relatively displaced independently of the movable body,
When the coil portion is excited, the operation button and the movable body are integrally connected by pulling the plunger portion into the coil portion,
When the connecting means is in the non-connected state, the operation button moves independently of the movable body according to the pressing operation of the operation button while the movable body is sunk in the standby position,
When the connecting means is switched to the connected state, the movable body floats to the floating position when not being operated, and the operation button and the movable body are integrated according to the pressing operation of the operation button. It is characterized by moving.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that it is configured as a gaming machine provided with the above gaming machine operating device.

In the present invention, when the connecting means is switched to the connected state at the time of non-operation, the movable body operates so as to float to the floating position, so that the size of the operation button at the protruding position is also increased. It can give a strong impact. Further, at this time, since the operation button and the movable body move integrally according to the pressing operation of the operation button, the impression that the enlarged buttons are integrated as a whole in an aspect in which the button size is increased is given. The feeling of operating a large button can be very strong.
In addition, when the connecting means is switched to the connected state during operation (pressing), when the pressing is released, the operation button that was being pressed is enlarged and returned (the button that was small before pressing is returned). It can give a strong impression as if it suddenly grows).
Further, when the connecting means is switched to the non-connected state, the movable body sinks to the standby position, and the operation button moves independently of the movable body in response to the pressing operation of the operation button. It is possible to create a gap that makes the floating position stand out.
Further, in this configuration, the connecting means can be realized mainly using a solenoid device including a plunger portion and a coil portion without using a complicated configuration or a large-scale configuration. In particular, the operation button and the movable body are connected by pulling the plunger part into the coil part, so there is little mechanical load (bending, compression, tension, etc.) at the time of connection, so that the player can release the connection. Deterioration, damage, etc. are less likely to occur even if a simple operation (mischief, etc.) is performed.

Further, in the gaming machine operating device according to the present invention, before Symbol operation button is being held in the stationary base unit so as to relatively move in a first displacement range for the fixed base portion, the movable body may be held in the operation button so as to relatively move in a second displacement range for the operation button.

Thus, the movable body, when to be held in the operation button so as to relatively move in a second displacement range for the operation button, the movable member and the operation buttons displaceable relative to one another Since it can assemble | attach to a fixed base part in the assembled state, it can make it easy to assemble at the time of manufacture or maintenance.

  Moreover, in this invention, the said solenoid apparatus may be arrange | positioned so that the axial direction of the said plunger part may follow the moving direction of the said operation button.

  Thus, when the axial direction of the plunger portion that moves in the axial direction is configured to follow the movement direction of the operation button, the movement path of the plunger portion is orthogonal to the size of the operation button (the pressing direction). It is difficult to affect the determination of the size in the plane direction), and the operation buttons can be made more compact.

  In the present invention, the axial direction of the plunger portion is configured along the vertical direction, the plunger can be reciprocated along the vertical direction, and the coil portion can be reciprocated along the vertical direction. It may be said. Further, the operation button may be reciprocally movable along a vertical direction, and may be held at a predetermined upward protruding position when not operated. In this case, when the operation button is not operated, when the coil portion is excited and the plunger portion is pulled into the coil portion, the movable body is connected to the operation button at the upward projecting position. When the excitation of the coil portion is released when the operation button is not operated, the movable body is at least below the floating position due to its own weight according to the excitation release. It is desirable to be configured to sink into position.

  In this configuration, when the solenoid device is driven when the operation button is not operated (that is, when the plunger portion is pulled into the coil portion), the movable body floats so as to be connected to the operation button at the upward projecting position. Since it floats to a position, it is possible to give a strong impact as if a large button protruding upward was automatically generated. Further, when the operation of the solenoid button is released when the operation button is not operated (that is, when the excitation of the coil portion is released), the movable body is moved from the floating position by its own weight according to the release of the excitation. Since it sinks into the standby position below, the movable body can be retracted by efficiently utilizing its own weight, and can be stably held at the standby position.

  Further, in the present invention, the solenoid device is urged so that the plunger portion is fixed to the operation button, the coil portion is fixed to the movable body, and the plunger portion protrudes from one end side of the coil portion. An urging spring may be provided as the urging member. In this case, it is desirable that the urging spring urges the fixed portion of the plunger portion in the operation button and the fixed portion of the coil portion in the movable body in a direction away from each other.

  In this configuration, when the solenoid device is not driven, the plunger portion and the coil portion can be continuously urged in the separating direction, and the movable body can be urged to the standby position side. It becomes easy to hold stably in the standby position. In particular, the movable body can be urged not only by its own weight but also by both its own weight and the urging spring, so that the movable body is stably held by the standby position.

  In the present invention, the movable body may be formed in an annular shape so as to surround the operation button. And the 1st operation part formed in the exposure side of the said operation button is comprised with the transparent material, and the 2nd operation part formed in the exposure side of the said movable body is the circumference | surroundings of the said 1st operation part. It may be arranged in a ring and may be made of a light transmissive material. In this case, in a form fixed to one side of the operation button or the movable body, a first light emitting section that irradiates light to the first operation section side, and a second light emitting section that irradiates light to the movable body side. Is provided, and the light emitted from the first light emitting unit to the first operation unit side is irradiated to the outside through the first operation unit, and the second light emitting unit emits light to the movable body side. It is desirable that the light radiated on the outside be radiated to the outside through the second operation unit.

  According to this configuration, the first light emitting unit that illuminates the operation unit (first operation unit) on the operation button side on the common substrate, and the second light emitting unit that illuminates the operation unit (second operation unit) on the movable body side. It can be mounted, and the number of parts can be reduced and the space can be saved.

  In addition, by providing any one of the above gaming machine operating devices according to the present invention, a gaming machine having the same effects as these can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a gaming machine including the gaming machine operation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 (A) is a plan view of the gaming machine operating device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 (B) is a front view thereof. FIG. 3 is a back view of the gaming machine operation device of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the gaming machine operation device of FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the gaming machine operation device of FIG. 2 as seen from a direction different from FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a main part of the gaming machine operation device of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view seen from a direction different from FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a plan view showing the operation buttons and the like of the gaming machine operation device of FIG. 2, and FIG. 7B is a front view thereof. FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing operation buttons and the like of the gaming machine operation device of FIG. 2, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view seen from a different direction from FIG. 8A. FIG. 9A is a plan view showing a movable body and the like of the operating device for the gaming machine of FIG. 2, and FIG. 9B is a front view thereof. FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a movable body and the like of the gaming machine operating device in FIG. 2, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view seen from a direction different from FIG. 10A. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cut surface cut at a position AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the state shown in FIG. 11 is changed to the connected state. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the operation button is pressed from the state of FIG. 11 or FIG. FIG. 14A is a front view showing a state near the operation buttons in the unconnected state, and FIG. 14B is a front view showing a state near the operation buttons in the connected state. FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the BB cross section of FIG. 3 in the non-connected state, and FIG. 15B is a state where the operation button is pressed from the state of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode when it changes to the state where it turned into. FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the CC cross section of FIG. 3 in the non-connected state, and FIG. 16B is a state where the operation button is pressed from the state of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode when it changes to the state where it turned into.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a gaming machine operating device and a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a gaming machine provided with the gaming machine operating device according to the first embodiment. First, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be outlined with reference to FIG.

(Composition of gaming machine)
The gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a so-called pachinko machine, and a transparent plate 3 (glass plate or the like) is arranged in a window portion formed in a front frame 2 arranged on the player side. The rear game area can be visually recognized through the transparent plate 3. In addition, a game board (not shown) is arranged behind the transparent plate 3 (on the back side), and a game area (area where game balls can flow down: not shown) partitioned by a guide rail or the like is formed on the game board. Has been. Further, a game ball tray 7 for receiving a game ball is formed below the transparent plate 3, and a game machine operating device 10 is provided so that a part is exposed from the outer wall portion of the game ball tray 7. ing.

(Configuration of operating device for gaming machine)
Next, the gaming machine operation device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.
The gaming machine operating device 10 has an appearance as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the case body 11, the fixed base portion 20, the operation buttons 30, and the spring member are mainly used. 40, a movable body 50, a solenoid device 60, and the like, and are configured so that a player can perform a pressing operation of the operation button 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the case body 11 has a substantially box shape with one side opened as a whole, and has a configuration for holding a fixed base portion 20 described later. The case body 11 includes an upper wall portion 11a and peripheral wall portions 11b, 11c, 11d, and 11e, and the upper wall portion 11a is disposed on the upper side of the peripheral wall that is annularly formed by the peripheral wall portions 11b, 11c, 11d, and 11e. The lower side is open. Moreover, the circular opening part 11f is formed in the upper wall part 11a, and the cylindrical cylindrical part 12 is formed in the form which protrudes below from the peripheral part of this opening part 11f. The opening region of the opening part 11f and the hollow region of the cylindrical part 12 communicate with each other, and a fixed base part 20 described later is fixed in a form that fits with the opening part 11f and the cylindrical part 12.

  The fixed base portion 20 is attached to the gaming machine main body (portion other than the gaming machine operating device 10 in the gaming machine 1) directly or indirectly through another member. In the present embodiment, the fixed base portion 20 is a case as the other member. It is indirectly attached to the gaming machine body through the body 11. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fixed base portion 20 is configured in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and includes an outer peripheral wall 22 configured in a cylindrical shape and a bottom wall 24, and is on one side (upper side). Is open. Further, a flange portion 23 is formed so as to protrude from one end portion (upper end portion) of the outer peripheral wall 22 to the outer side in the radial direction of the outer peripheral wall 22.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, cylindrical cylindrical portions 24 a, 24 b, and 24 c are formed so as to protrude upward from the bottom wall 24. The three cylindrical portions 24a, 24b, and 24c have the same configuration, and the pressing direction (the direction of the central axis G) so as to protrude to about half the height of the outer peripheral wall 22 (near the central position in the vertical direction). The shaft-shaped portions 32a, 32b, and 32c of the operation button 30, which will be described later, are slidably fitted (see FIG. 11). In the present embodiment, the central axis G is arranged so as to be substantially vertical.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a rib-like protruding wall 21 is formed so as to protrude inward from the inner wall portion 22a and the bottom wall 24 of the outer peripheral wall 22 (see also FIG. 16). The protruding wall 21 is configured in a plate shape so as to protrude radially inward of the outer peripheral wall 22 from the inner wall portion 22a of the outer peripheral wall 22, and from the position of the bottom wall 24 to the vertical center position of the outer peripheral wall 22. It continues in a rib shape along the vertical direction to a position closer to the upper end side. The protruding wall 21 functions as a shielding part (detected part) of a detection sensor 83 described later. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the portion of the substrate 80 where the detection sensor 83 is arranged is formed to protrude in the radial direction, and as shown in FIG. By assembling so that the orientation of the portion where the sensor 83 is disposed and the orientation of the protruding wall 21 are aligned, components near the substrate 80 can be accurately positioned and assembled to the fixed base portion 20. Yes. That is, the protruding wall 21 also functions as an assembly mark (preventing erroneous assembly). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 51 a provided in a movable body main body 51 of the movable body 50 described later, it extends vertically from the lower end portion of the outer peripheral wall 51 a. A cutout portion 51e is formed, and the fixed base portion 20 and the movable body 50 are fitted while being aligned so that the protruding wall 21 is fitted into the cutout portion 51e. In this configuration, when the movable body 50 moves relative to the fixed base portion 20 (moves up and down), the protruding wall 21 moves while being guided by the notch 51e, and the notch 51e is movable. It also comes to function as a guide for

  The operation button 30 holds the fixed base portion 20 so as to be relatively movable, and includes an operation body 31 and a base body 32 as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the operating body 31 includes an outer peripheral wall 31a configured in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a pressed portion 31b that extends from the upper end of the outer peripheral wall 31a in a substantially dome shape. The pressing portion 31b is configured as an upper wall portion and is an exposed portion exposed to the outside (see also FIG. 2). The pressed portion 31b is formed on the exposed side of the operation button 30 and is made of a light-transmitting material (for example, a translucent material) that transmits light. At least internal light from the LED 81 described later is externally transmitted. It is configured to shine on. The pressed part 31b corresponds to an example of a “first operation part”.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the base body 32 includes a disk-shaped base portion 32d connected to the outer peripheral wall 31a of the operating body 31, and shaft-shaped portions 32a, 32b, 32c protruding downward from the base portion 32d. It has. The shaft-shaped portions 32a, 32b, and 32c are arranged in a form connected to the outer peripheral portion of the base portion 32d (see also FIGS. 7 and 8), and in the pressing direction (the direction of the central axis G) from the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion of the base portion 32d. It is formed in an elongated shape along the cylindrical portion 24a, 24b, 24c described above.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, claw portions 37a, 37b, and 37c that are swingable and elastically deformable are formed on the respective shaft-like portions 32a, 32b, and 32c. Each of the claw portions 37a, 37b, and 37c protrudes outward along a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of each of the shaft-like portions 32a, 32b, and 32c, and is formed on the cylindrical portions 24a, 24b, and 24c, respectively. It fits into the vertical grooves 27a, 27b, 27c (see also FIG. 15). The claw portions 37a, 37b, and 37c move up and down in the grooves 27a, 27b, and 27c as the operation button 30 moves up and down, and the position of the operation button 30 with respect to the fixed base portion 20 is predetermined. When the upper end position is reached, the upper end part of the groove part into which each fits is brought into contact (see also FIG. 15A).

  Further, the substrate 80 is arranged in a form sandwiched between the operation body 31 and the base body 32. The substrate 80 is mounted with various electrical components, and is configured on a substantially circular plate as a whole, and is sandwiched between the operating body 31 and the base body 32 arranged above and below. On this substrate 80, an LED 81 for irradiating light to the pressed portion 31b (first operation unit) side and an LED 82 for irradiating light to the movable body 50 side described later are mounted. The LED 81 corresponds to an example of a “first light emitting unit”, and includes upper irradiation LEDs 81a, 81b, and 81c. The LED 81 emits light toward the pressed portion 31d that covers the upper irradiation LEDs 81a, 81b, and 81c. It has become. In addition, it is desirable to arrange | position a lens member suitably in the irradiation path | route of the light from each upper irradiation LED 81a, 81b, 81c.

  The LED 82 corresponds to an example of a “second light emitting unit” and includes side-illuminated LEDs 82 a, 82 b, 82 c, 82 d, 82 e, 82 f, and a movable body provided in a ring around the operation body 31. 50 is irradiated with light. Specifically, in the outer peripheral wall 31a, notches 35a, 35b, and 35c are disposed at positions outside the side-illuminated LEDs 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d, 82e, and 82f in the radial direction (radial direction centered on the central axis G). , 35d, 35e, and 35f are respectively formed, and the side-illuminated LEDs 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d, 82e, and 82f are formed on the radially outer side through the notches 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, and 35f, respectively. By irradiating light, the light is applied to the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 51a of the movable body 50. Most of the light irradiated to the movable body 50 is diffusely reflected within the movable body 50, and the diffusely reflected light is a light-transmitted pressed portion 51b formed on the movable body 50 (second operation portion: described later). It is designed to be irradiated to the outside via In addition, it is desirable to arrange a reflector, a lens member, etc. suitably in the irradiation route of the light from each side irradiation LED 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d, 82e, 82f.

  The spring member 40 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is disposed below the operation unit (a combination of the operation button 30 and the substrate 80) integrally formed as described above. The spring member 40 includes coil springs 41, 42, and 43 that are coupled to the shaft-like portions 32 a, 32 b, and 32 c of the base body 32, respectively. Is configured to be inserted.

  The upper ends of the coil springs 41, 42, and 43 are in contact with the lower ends of the base portion 32d, and the lower ends of the coil springs 41, 42, and 43 are axial portions 32a, 32b, and 32c. Are in contact with the upper ends of the cylindrical portions 24a, 24b, and 24c to be fitted. That is, each of the coil springs 41, 42, 43 is configured to be sandwiched between the base portion 32d and each of the cylindrical portions 24a, 24b, 24c, so that the base portion 32d and the bottom wall 24 are separated from each other. Energized. Since it is configured in this manner, the operation button 30 is always urged upward with respect to the fixed base portion 20, and when not operated, a movable upper end position (protruding position: FIG. 11 etc.) Reference) is held. Further, when a pressing operation is received with respect to the pressed portion 31b, the pressed portion 31b moves from the protruding position to a sinking position (see FIG. 13 and the like). The spring member 40 corresponds to an example of “biasing means” and functions to urge the operation button 30 toward the protruding position.

  The movable body 50 is configured as a member independent of the operation button 30, and is arranged in an annular shape so as to surround the operation button 30. The movable body 50 includes a movable body main body 51 and a holding portion 52 fixed to the movable body main body 51. The movable body main body 51 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 51a and a pressed portion 51b connected to the upper end portion of the outer peripheral wall 51a. The outer peripheral wall 51a is fitted to the outer peripheral wall 22 of the fixed base portion 20, and moves up and down along the inner wall portion 22a. Thus, the entire movable body 50 moves up and down along the inner wall portion 22a. It has become. The pressed part 51b corresponds to the second operation part formed on the exposed side of the movable body 50, and is formed in an annular shape by a light transmissive resin material or the like, as shown in FIGS. It moves up and down around the pressed part 31b. As shown in FIG. 11, the pressed portion 51b is arranged so as to be stepped from the pressed portion 31b around the pressed portion 31b (first operation portion) when not operated and disconnected. During non-operation and connection, or during pressing operation as shown in FIG. 13, the upper surface is arranged so as to be aligned with the pressed portion 31b.

  Furthermore, a plurality of inner wall portions 51c are formed so as to be along a virtual cylindrical surface that is coaxial with the outer peripheral wall 51a and has a smaller diameter than the outer peripheral wall 51a. The plurality of inner wall portions 51c have a curved shape in which a part of a cylinder is cut out, and the plurality of inner wall portions 51c are configured to be fitted to the outer peripheral wall 31a of the operation button 30 as a whole. Has been.

  The holding portion 52 is configured in a substantially disc shape, and an outer peripheral edge portion engages with an engaging claw 51d formed on the movable body main body 51, and is fixed to the movable body main body 51 by a fastening member such as a screw (not shown). It moves integrally with the movable body main body 51. The holding portion 52 holds a coil portion 61 of a solenoid device 60 described later, whereby the movable body 50 and the coil portion 61 move integrally.

  The movable body 50 configured in this manner can be displaced between a predetermined floating position (FIG. 12) that has floated from the fixed base portion 20 and a standby position (FIG. 11) that has been lowered from this floating position. When a solenoid device 60 (connecting means), which will be described later, is switched to the connected state, the movable body 50 floats to the floating position when not operated as shown in FIG. 12, and the operation button 30 is pressed when operated. The operation button 30 and the movable body 50 are integrally moved in accordance with the operation. Further, when the solenoid device 60 is switched to the non-connected state, the movable body 50 sinks to the standby position (the retracted position retracted from the floating position) as shown in FIG. The operation button 30 moves independently of the movable body 50 in response to the pressing operation.

  In the present embodiment, the operating body 31 of the operation button 30 is formed with bulging portions 33a, 33b, 33c so as to protrude outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral wall 31a, and these bulging portions 33a, 33b. , 33c are connected to the above-described shaft-shaped portions 32a, 32b, 32c with the substrate 80 interposed therebetween. In the present embodiment, the movable body 50 and the operation button 30 are fitted so that the outer peripheral wall 31a of the operation button 30 is fitted inside the inner wall portion 51c of the movable body 50, and these bulging portions 33a, 33b and 33c prevent the operation button 30 from coming off from one side of the movable body 50 (prevention from coming off from the pressed portion 51b side), and the other side of the movable body 50 due to the presence of the coil portion 61 and the holding portion 52. The movable body 50 and the operation button 30 are assembled with each other so as to prevent the operation button 30 from coming off.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4, 11, etc., a rib-like stopper 25 is formed on the inner wall portion 22 a of the fixed base portion 20. The stopper 25 is formed in a plate shape so as to protrude radially inward of the outer peripheral wall 22 from the inner wall portion 22 a of the outer peripheral wall 22, and from the position of the bottom wall 24 to the vicinity of the vertical center position of the outer peripheral wall 22. It continues to the rib shape along the up and down direction. The stopper 25 functions to restrict the relative movement of the movable body 50 below the predetermined position with respect to the fixed base portion 20 as shown in FIG. 11, and the movable body 50 as shown in FIG. Is brought into contact with the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 51a of the movable body 50 when it reaches the standby position. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when the movable body 50 floats, the movable body 50 is separated from the lower end portion of the outer peripheral wall 51a. Since such a stopper 25 is provided, even if the operation button 30 is pressed in the state as shown in FIG. 11 (when not connected and not pressed), the movable body 50 is moved along with the pressing operation of the operation button 30. Only the operation button 30 can be moved up and down independently without sinking too much. Further, when the operation button 30 is pressed in such a disconnected state (when the solenoid is not energized), the plunger portion 62 resists the biasing of the biasing spring 63 as shown in FIGS. Therefore, it moves smoothly into the coil portion 61.

  The solenoid device 60 corresponds to an example of “connecting means” and changes the operation button 30 and the movable body 50 between a connected state and a non-connected state based on control by a control circuit (drive means) (not shown). Is functioning. The solenoid device 60 includes a coil portion 61 and a plunger portion 62 disposed so as to be able to enter the coil portion 61. Further, a direction in which the coil portion 61 and the plunger portion 62 are separated (the plunger portion 62 is disposed). A biasing spring 63 that biases the projection in the protruding direction is provided. Specifically, the plunger portion 62 is fixed to the operation button 30, the coil portion 61 is fixed to the movable body 50, and the biasing spring 63 biases the plunger portion 62 so as to protrude from one end side of the coil portion 61. Thus, the fixed part of the plunger part 62 in the operation button 30 and the fixed part of the coil part 61 in the movable body 50 are biased in a direction away from each other. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 11, the fixed portion of the plunger portion 62 in the operation button 30 is formed in a configuration that penetrates the recess 34b formed in a dish shape near the center of the base portion 32d and the bottom of the recess 34b. The plunger part 62 is inserted through the hole 34a formed in the vicinity of the center part of the base part 32d, and is formed by one end of the plunger part 62. The lower part of the flange part 62 a formed on the side (the side opposite to the side inserted into the coil part 61) is supported by the base part 32 d and the board 80 so that the lower side is supported in the recess 34 b and the upper side is supported by the board 80. Yes. That is, the plunger portion 62 is arranged so as to penetrate the base portion 32d, and the flange portion 62a on one end side is sandwiched between the base portion 32d and the substrate 80, so that the plunger portion 62 is fixed to the operation button 30. Has been. Here, the substrate 80 is used as a component that holds the end of the plunger portion 62 (a component that holds the flange portion 62a), but a holding member (a retaining member) that is different from the substrate may be disposed. Good.

  In the present embodiment, the plunger portion 62 is fixed to the operation button 30 and is arranged so that the axial direction of the plunger portion 62 is along the movement direction (more specifically, the vertical direction) of the operation button 30. The plunger portion 62 can reciprocate along its own axial direction and vertical direction. Moreover, the coil part 61 fixed to the movable body 50 can also be reciprocated along the vertical direction. And the urging | biasing force which makes the plunger part 62 protrude from the one end side (upper end side) of the coil part 61 arises.

  Specifically, an urging force for causing the plunger portion 62 to protrude from one end side (upper end side) of the coil portion 61 is generated by the urging action of the urging spring 63 and the own weight of the coil portion 61 and the like. When the solenoid device 60 is not driven, the urging force keeps the plunger portion 62 protruding from the coil portion 61 (see FIGS. 11 and 14A). In other words, when the solenoid device 60 is not driven, the urging force (the urging force generated by the weight of the urging spring 63 and the coil portion 61) is moved from the operation button 30 (see FIG. 11) held at the upward projecting position. It acts to push 50 downward. At this time, the movable body 50 integrated with the coil portion 61 is held in a state where the outer peripheral wall 51a is dropped to a position supported by the stopper 25 of the fixed base portion 20 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the coil unit 61 is excited as shown in FIG. 12, the coil unit 61 and the movable body 50 are levitated integrally as the coil unit 61 pulls in the plunger unit 62 held at the upper position. It becomes.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine operation device 10 will be described.
In the gaming machine operation device 10 configured as described above, when the operation button 30 is not pressed, the operation button 30 is held in the upward projecting position by the action of the spring member 40. When the solenoid device 60 is not energized, the coil portion 61 is fixed to the plunger portion 62 by the above-described biasing force (the biasing force of the biasing spring 63 and the weight of the coil portion 61 and the movable body 50) as shown in FIG. It moves (drops) so that it is spaced apart from. At this time, the plunger part 62 is displaced so as to protrude from one end side of the coil part 61, and the fixed part of the plunger part 62 in the operation button 30 and the fixed part of the coil part 61 in the movable body 50 are maintained at a certain distance. Then, the movable body 50 sinks to the standby position so that the pressed part 51b of the movable body 50 is stepped away from the pressed part 31b of the operation button 30 in the upward projecting position (FIGS. 11 and 14). A), FIG. 15A, and FIG. 16A). The movable body 50 continues to retreat to the standby position by the urging force.

  On the other hand, when an external control circuit (driving means) drives the solenoid device 60, the coil part 61 is excited, and the coil part 61 continues to pull the plunger part 62, so that the coil part 61 and the plunger part 62 are integrated. Connected to Thus, the coil part 61 and the plunger part 62 are integrally connected, whereby the operation button 30 and the movable body 50 to which they are fixed are integrally connected. In the present embodiment, since the operation button 30 can be reciprocated along the vertical direction and is held at a predetermined upward protruding position when not operated, when the operation button 30 is not operated, When the solenoid device 60 is driven, when the plunger unit 62 is drawn into the coil unit 61, the movable body 50 is floated to the floating position so as to be connected to the operation button 30 in the upward projecting position. (See FIGS. 12, 14B, 15B, and 16B). At this time, since the operation button 30 and the movable body 50 are integrally connected and moved integrally, when an operation of pressing the operation button 30 or the movable body 50 is performed during non-operation as shown in FIG. These are integrally lowered and displaced as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the external control circuit (drive means) releases the drive of the solenoid device 60 when the operation button 30 is not operated, the excitation release of the coil section 61 is released from the state shown in FIG. 12 as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the movable body 50 retreats to a predetermined position. More specifically, the movable body 50 sinks to a standby position below the floating position by its own weight in response to the release of excitation of the coil unit 61. At this time, since the operation button 30 can be relatively displaced with respect to the movable body 50, when the operation button 30 is pressed in the state as shown in FIG. It is pushed down and displaced as shown in FIG.

  Further, the gaming machine operating device 10 is provided with a detection sensor 83 such as a photo interrupter on the substrate 80, and the substrate fixed to the operation button 30 according to the relative movement of the operation button 30 with respect to the fixed base portion 20. The detection sensor 83 on 80 detects the protruding wall 21. Specifically, when the operation button 30 is in the protruding position, the detection sensor 83 is separated from the protruding wall 21 as shown in FIG. 16A, and a non-detection signal is output from the detection sensor 83. It has become. Such a positional relationship is the same in the connected state as shown in FIG. 12, and when the operation button 30 is in the protruding position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the detection sensor 83 always outputs a non-detection signal (for example, an L level signal). ) Is output to the outside. On the other hand, when the operation button 30 is pushed down from the state of FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 and is displaced as shown in FIG. 13, the detection sensor 83 is relatively close to the protruding wall 21 as shown in FIG. The detection sensor 83 detects the protruding wall 21 and outputs a detection signal (for example, an H level signal) to the outside. With such a configuration, it is possible to distinguish between an operation time and a non-operation time in an external circuit (not shown).

(Main effects of the first embodiment)
In the gaming machine operating device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the solenoid device 60 (connecting means) is switched to the driving state (connected state), the movable body 50 floats to the floating position when not operated (see FIG. 12), the heel can also give a strong impact as if the size of the operation button 30 at the protruding position has changed. Further, at this time, since the operation button 30 and the movable body 50 move integrally according to the pressing operation of the operation button 30, the enlarged buttons are integrated as a whole in a mode in which the button size is increased. An impression can be given and the feeling of operating a big button becomes very strong. In addition, when the solenoid device 60 (connecting means) is switched to the non-driven state (non-connected state), the movable body 50 sinks to the standby position (see FIG. 11), and according to the pressing operation of the operation button 30. Since the operation button 30 moves independently of the movable body 50, a feeling of operating a small button can be given, and a gap that makes the state of the floating position stand out can be generated.

  In the gaming machine operating device 10 according to the present invention, the operation button 30 is held by the fixed base portion 20 so as to be relatively movable in the first displacement range with respect to the fixed base portion 20, and the movable body 50. Is held on one side so as to be movable relative to the movable body 50 in the second displacement range. The range in which the operation button 30 can move relative to the fixed base portion 20 corresponds to an example of “first displacement range”, and the range in which the movable body 50 can move relative to the operation button 30 is shown. This corresponds to an example of “second displacement range”.

  Thus, when the movable body 50 is held so as to be movable relative to the operation button 30 in the second displacement range, the movable body 50 and the operation button 30 are assembled together so as to be relatively displaced. Since it can assemble | attach to the fixed base part 20, it can make it easy to perform the assembly | attachment at the time of manufacture or a maintenance.

Further, in the gaming machine operating device 10 according to the present embodiment, the “connecting means” includes the solenoid device 60 including the coil portion 61 and the plunger portion 62 arranged to be able to enter the coil portion 61. The solenoid device 60 is driven by an external control circuit (drive means). Furthermore, the coil part 61 is fixed to the movable body 50, the plunger part 62 is fixed to the operation button 30, and it is comprised so that the urging | biasing force which makes the plunger part 62 protrude from the one end side of the coil part 61 may arise. . When the solenoid device 60 is driven, the coil unit 61 is excited and the plunger unit 62 is drawn into the coil unit 61, whereby the operation button 30 and the movable body 50 are integrally connected. . When the drive of the solenoid device 60 is released, the movable body 50 is retracted to a predetermined position in response to the excitation release of the coil unit 61, and the operation button 30 can be relatively displaced with respect to the movable body 50 independently. ing.
In this configuration, the connecting means can be realized mainly using the solenoid device 60 including the plunger portion 62 and the coil portion 61 without using a complicated configuration or a large-scale configuration.

In the present embodiment, the solenoid device 60 is arranged such that the axial direction of the plunger portion 62 is along the moving direction of the operation button 30.
In this way, when the axial direction of the plunger portion 62 that moves in the axial direction is configured to follow the movement direction of the operation button 30, the movement path of the plunger portion 62 is the size of the operation button 30 (press The size of the operation button 30 is less likely to be affected, and the operation button 30 can be made more compact.

In the present embodiment, in the solenoid device 60, the plunger portion 62 is fixed to the operation button 30, the coil portion 61 is fixed to the movable body 50, and the plunger portion 62 is attached so as to protrude from one end side of the coil portion 61. A biasing spring 63 for biasing is provided. In this case, the urging spring 63 urges the fixed portion of the plunger portion 62 in the operation button 30 and the fixed portion of the coil portion 61 in the movable body 50 in a direction away from each other.
In this configuration, when the solenoid device 60 is not driven, the plunger portion 62 and the coil portion 61 can be continuously urged in the separating direction, and as a result, the movable body 50 can be urged toward the standby position. It becomes easy to hold the movable body 50 stably at the standby position.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, it is comprised so that the axial direction of the plunger part 62 may follow a vertical direction, the plunger part 62 can be reciprocated along a vertical direction, and the coil part 61 is reciprocated so that a vertical direction may be followed. It is possible to move. Further, the operation button 30 can reciprocate along the vertical direction, and is held at a predetermined upward protruding position when not operated. When the solenoid device 60 is driven and the plunger portion 62 is drawn into the coil portion 61 when the operation button 30 is not operated, the movable body 50 is lifted so as to be connected to the operation button 30 at the upward projecting position. When the operation of the solenoid device 60 is released when the operation button 30 is not operated, the movable body 50 is lifted by its own weight from the floating position when the excitation of the coil unit 61 is released. It is configured to sink into a lower standby position.

  In this configuration, when the solenoid device 60 is driven when the operation button 30 is not operated (that is, when the plunger portion 62 is pulled into the coil portion 61), the operation button 30 is connected to the upward projecting position. Thus, since the movable body 50 floats to the floating position, it is possible to give a strong impact as if a large button protruding upward was automatically generated. When the operation of the solenoid button 60 is released when the operation button 30 is not operated, the movable body 50 sinks to a standby position below the floating position by its own weight in response to the release of excitation of the coil unit 61. Therefore, the movable body 50 can be retracted by efficiently utilizing the weight of the movable body 50 and stably held at the standby position.

Further, in the present embodiment, the movable body 50 is configured in an annular shape so as to surround the operation button 30. The pressed portion 31b (first operation portion) formed on the exposed side of the operation button 30 is made of a light transmissive material, and the pressed portion 51b (second operation) formed on the exposed side of the movable body 50. Part) is annularly arranged around the pressed part 31b (first operation part) and is made of a light transmissive material. And the board | substrate 80 with which LED81 which irradiates light to the to-be-pressed part 31b (1st operation part) side, and LED82 which irradiates light to the movable body 50 side by the structure connected with the operation button 30 was provided. The light irradiated from the LED 82 to the movable body 50 side is irradiated to the outside through the pressed portion 51b (second operation portion).
According to this configuration, the LED 81 that illuminates the operation part (first operation part) on the operation button 30 side and the LED 82 that illuminates the operation part (second operation part) on the movable body 50 side are mounted on the common substrate 80. It is possible to reduce the number of parts and save space.

  In the above embodiment, an example of the driving method of the solenoid device 60 has been described. However, the driving timing and driving release timing of the solenoid device 60 can be variously set. For example, the movable body 50 is continuously moved (vibrated) by continuously repeating on / off switching such that the solenoid device 60 is turned on in a predetermined short time and then turned off in a predetermined short time. It is possible to guide the player to press the operation button 30 around the operation button 30 or to hit the player.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the substrate 80 provided with the detection button 83 and the detection sensor 83 for detecting the operation of the movable body 50 is provided on the operation button 30 side is shown. However, the substrate provided with such a detection sensor is fixed. You may arrange | position to the base part side.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the coil unit 61 is fixed to the movable body 50 and the plunger unit 62 is fixed to the operation button 30 has been described. However, the coil unit is fixed to the operation button and the plunger unit is fixed to the movable body. It may be.

  In the said embodiment, although the example to which the cyclic | annular movable body 50 is arrange | positioned so that the circumference | surroundings of the operation button 30 may be enclosed was shown, the structure of an operation button and a movable body is not limited to such an example. For example, an annular operation button may be formed so as to surround the periphery of the movable body, and the operation button and the movable body may be configured to be opposite to each other. Further, the operation buttons and the movable body may be arranged side by side so as to be adjacent to each other.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the connecting means is configured by a solenoid device has been shown, but other configurations may be used. For example, one of the operation button and the movable body is provided with an engaging claw that can be displaced by an actuator, and when the actuator is driven, the engaging claw engages with the other to connect both members. Also good. Further, the engagement by the engagement claw is preferably engaged when the operation button is pressed. Thereby, an operation button and a movable body can be connected integrally efficiently. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long as the operation button and the movable body are connected when the actuator is driven and can be moved integrally, and when the actuator is not driven, the connection is released and only the operation button can be independently displaced. Other configurations may be employed.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the substrate 80 on which the LEDs are mounted is fixed on the operation button 30 side, but the substrate on which the LEDs are mounted on the movable body 50 side may be fixed. In this case, light may be emitted to the pressed portion 51b side from some LEDs mounted on the substrate, and light may be emitted to the operation button 30 side from other LEDs. Then, the light irradiated on the operation button 30 side is configured to be taken into the operation button 30, and this light may be diffused to the pressed portion 31b side by a reflector or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 10 ... Operation apparatus for game machines 20 ... Fixed base part 30 ... Operation button 31b ... Pressed part (1st operation part)
40 ... Spring member (biasing means)
50 ... Movable body 51b ... Pressed part (second operation part)
60 ... Solenoid device (connection means)
61 ... Coil part 62 ... Plunger part 63 ... Biasing spring 70 ... Control circuit (drive means)
80 ... substrate 81 ... LED (first light emitting unit)
82 ... LED (second light emitting unit)

Claims (7)

An operating device for a gaming machine that can be externally operated in a gaming machine,
A fixed base portion that is directly or indirectly attached to the gaming machine main body or via another member;
An operation button that is configured to be relatively movable with respect to the fixed base portion, is held at a predetermined protruding position when not operated, and moves to a subsidence position that sinks from the protruding position when receiving a pressing operation;
Biasing means for biasing the operation button toward the protruding position;
It is provided adjacent to the operation button and is arranged so as to be relatively movable with respect to the fixed base portion. The movable button is movable between a predetermined floating position that has risen from the fixed base portion and a standby position that has been lowered from the floating position. Body,
Connection means for changing the operation button and the movable body between a connected state and a disconnected state;
With
The coupling means includes a coil part and a plunger part arranged so as to be able to enter the coil part, and the plunger part is relative to the coil part in accordance with switching between excitation and de-excitation of the coil part. A solenoid device that drives
The coil portion is fixed to one of the operation button and the movable body, and the plunger portion is fixed to the other,
A biasing force that causes the plunger portion to protrude from one end side of the coil portion is generated by at least one of the weight of the member on the coil portion side or the member on the plunger portion side and the biasing action of the biasing member. Is configured as
The movable body retracts to a predetermined position in response to the excitation release of the coil portion, and the operation button can be relatively displaced independently of the movable body,
When the coil portion is excited, the operation button and the movable body are integrally connected by pulling the plunger portion into the coil portion,
When the connecting means is in the non-connected state, the operation button moves independently of the movable body according to the pressing operation of the operation button while the movable body is sunk in the standby position,
When the connecting means is switched to the connected state, the movable body floats to the floating position when not being operated, and the operation button and the movable body are integrated according to the pressing operation of the operation button. An operating device for a gaming machine characterized in that it moves in a moving manner. Before Kimisao operation button is held by the fixing base portion so as to relatively move in a first displacement range for the fixed base portion,
The movable body is a game machine manipulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is held in the operation button so as to relatively move in a second displacement range for the operation button. The solenoid device, a game machine manipulation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the axial direction of the plunger portion are arranged along the moving direction of the operation button. The plunger portion is arranged so that the axial direction is along the vertical direction, and can be reciprocated along the vertical direction.
The coil portion is capable of reciprocating along the vertical direction,
The operation button can be reciprocated along the vertical direction, and is held at a predetermined upward protruding position when not operated.
When the operation button is not operated, when the coil portion is excited and the plunger portion is pulled into the coil portion, the movable body is connected to the operation button at the upward projecting position so as to be connected to the floating position. Surfaced
When excitation of the coil portion is released when the operation button is not operated, the movable body sinks to the standby position below the floating position due to at least its own weight in response to the excitation release. gaming machine control device according to any one of claims claims 1 to 3. The solenoid device is
The plunger portion is fixed to the operation button;
The coil portion is fixed to the movable body;
An urging spring as the urging member that urges the plunger part to project from one end side of the coil part;
Wherein the biasing spring, claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is biased in a direction to separate the fixed portion of the coil portion of the fixed portion and the movable body of the plunger portion of the operation button The operating device for gaming machines according to any one of the above. The movable body is configured in an annular shape so as to surround the operation button,
The first operation part formed on the exposed side of the operation button is made of a light transmissive material,
The second operation part formed on the exposed side of the movable body is annularly arranged around the first operation part and is made of a light transmissive material,
A first light emitting unit for irradiating light on the first operation unit side and a second light emitting unit for irradiating light on the movable body side are mounted in a form fixed to one side of the operation button or the movable body. Board is provided,
The light emitted from the first light emitting unit to the first operation unit side is irradiated to the outside through the first operation unit,
The game according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the light emitted from the second light emitting unit to the movable body side is irradiated to the outside through the second operation unit. Operation device for machine. A gaming machine comprising the gaming machine operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .

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