JP6337288B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a launching device launches a game ball to a game area provided in front of a game board in accordance with an operation of an operation handle.

  Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, the operation handle can be rotated between the start end position and the end position, and is urged toward the start end position. It is known that a ball is launched into the game area. In addition, in such a gaming machine, the game ball is divided into so-called left-handed that causes the game ball to flow down to the left area in the game area and so-called right-handed that causes the game ball to flow down to the right area in the game area. Is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-144658 (paragraphs [0041] and [0045])

  However, in the conventional gaming machine described above, in order to perform a right-handed game, it is necessary to keep the hand that operates the operation handle in a largely twisted state, which causes a heavy physical burden on the player. Therefore, the present invention aims to solve such a problem.

The invention of claim 1 made to achieve the above object includes a game board having a game area in which a game ball flows down, an operation handle that is rotated from a start end position to an end position, and the operation Handle urging means for urging the handle toward the starting end position, a launching device for launching a game ball toward the game area with a launch intensity corresponding to the rotational position of the operation handle, and An area dividing member that is arranged in the middle in the left-right direction and divides the game area into a first flow-down area and a second flow-down area; And the height of the game ball exceeds the reference firing strength when the intermediate reference position intermediate between the start position and the end position is exceeded. In the gaming machine in which the game ball that has flowed down the second flow area and did not exceed the reference firing strength flows down the first flow area without getting over the area section member, the operation handle is moved to the intermediate reference position. A handle restriction that restricts rotation of the operation handle from the intermediate reference position to the start end position side while allowing the operation handle to rotate from the intermediate reference position to the end position side. And when the operation handle is located at the start end position and at the intermediate reference position, the firing device is stopped, and the operation handle is separated from the start end position and the intermediate reference position. A launching switch means for operating the launching device when the game is in progress.

  In the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the launching intensity of the game ball by the launching device increases as the operating handle moves away from the starting end position, and exceeds the reference launching intensity when the intermediate reference position is exceeded. Then, the game balls that exceed the reference firing strength get over the area segment member in the game area and flow down the second flow-down area, and the game balls that do not exceed the reference launch strength do not get over the area division member and flow down to the first flow area. Down the area. Here, the operation handle can be locked at the intermediate reference position by the handle restricting means. When the operation handle is locked at the intermediate reference position, the operation handle is allowed to rotate from the intermediate reference position to the end position side. On the other hand, since the rotation from the intermediate reference position to the start end position is restricted, the operation handle can be changed at the intermediate reference position, and the hand operating the operation handle is kept twisted as in the conventional case. Will not be forced. Thereby, the physical burden on the player can be suppressed, and the game can be enjoyed comfortably for a long time.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention , it is possible to prevent the game ball from being fired while the hand is released from the operation handle at the intermediate reference position.

Front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention Perspective view of the operation handle Plan sectional view of the launch operation unit with the operation handle located at the start position Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine Block diagram related to control of launcher The figure which shows the relationship between the rotation position of the operation handle and the firing intensity (A) The plane sectional view of the firing operation part in the state where the operation handle is located at the intermediate reference position according to the modification, (B) The block diagram showing the electrical configuration of part of the gaming machine (A) Partial side view of the rotation support section relating to deformability, (B) Plan sectional view of the launch operation section in a state where the operation handle is located at the intermediate reference position

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, a game area R1 surrounded by guide rails 12 is formed on the front surface of the game board 11 of the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and a display effect section 13 is provided at the center of the game area R1. It has been. The display effect section 13 is surrounded by a decorative frame 14 (corresponding to the “region division member” of the present invention) on the outer edge, and has a liquid crystal screen 13G on the inner side. Further, the upper side and both side edges of the decorative frame 14 protrude from the front surface of the game board 11, and entry of the game ball into the display effect unit 13 is restricted by the decorative frame 14. Thereby, the game area R1 is a left-flow area R2 (corresponding to the “first flow area” of the present invention) on the left side of the decorative frame 14, and a right-flow area R3 (the “second flow area” of the present invention) on the right side of the decorative frame 14. It is possible to divide the game ball into the left-handed region R2 so-called left-handed and the so-called right-handed player who flows the game ball into the right-handed downstream region R3. ing.

  A launch operation unit 50 is provided at the lower right corner of the gaming machine 10. When the firing operation unit 50 is rotated clockwise, the game ball is launched into the game area R1 with a firing intensity corresponding to the rotation position of the firing operation unit 50. The firing operation unit 50 is configured to be rotatable from the start end position to the end position shown in FIG. 1, and the firing intensity increases as the launch operation unit 50 is rotated away from the start end position. The launch strength of the game ball exceeds the reference launch strength when it exceeds the intermediate reference position between the start position and the end position, and the game ball exceeding the reference launch strength flows down the right flow region R3, while the reference launch strength is reduced. The game balls that have not exceeded flow down the left flow region R2. For this reason, in order to drive a game ball into the right-falling region R3, it is necessary to keep the hand operating the firing operation unit 50 in a largely twisted state, and there is a problem that a physical burden is great for the player. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to lock the firing operation unit 50 at the intermediate reference position and to change the firing operation unit 50 at the intermediate reference position. Hereinafter, the configuration of the firing operation unit 50 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the firing operation unit 50 is configured by assembling an operation handle 70 and a decorative member 80 to the front end portion of the rotation support unit 60. The operation handle 70 has a disc-shaped base portion 71, and a plurality of locking claws 73 for hooking fingers on the outer peripheral wall 72 of the base portion 71 are formed to protrude from the rotation support portion 60 and the decorative member 80. On the other hand, it is configured to be rotatable. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation handle 70 has an opening 77 penetratingly formed in an arc shape in the base portion 71, and the opening 77 has a space between the decorative member 80 and the rotation support portion 60. It is attached to the rotation support part 60 and the decorative member 80 in a state where the provided support pillar 81 is inserted. Thereby, the rotation range of the operation handle 70 is restricted by the contact between the opening 77 and the support column 81. When the operation handle 70 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. When the operation handle 70 is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1, the operation handle 70 is positioned at the end position. Further, the operation handle 70 is biased to the start position by a torsion coil spring 51 (corresponding to “handle biasing means” of the present invention). Further, the rotational position of the operation handle 70 is detected by a rotational position sensor 54 (see FIG. 3).

  A portion of the base portion 71 that faces the rotation support portion 60 is formed with an annular wall 74 that protrudes to the same position as the rear end portion of the outer peripheral wall 72 that is concentric with the outer peripheral wall 72. ing. A recess 75 is formed between the outer peripheral wall 72 and the annular wall 74. On the other hand, the rotation support portion 60 has an annular shape and is formed with a projection 61 concentric with the outer peripheral wall 72 and the annular wall 73. When the operation handle 70 is assembled to the rotation support portion 60, the operation handle The projecting portion 61 of the rotation support portion 60 is engaged with the concave and convex portions 75 of the 70.

  A fixed-side engagement portion 62 that extends in the front-rear direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 61 so as to protrude from the rotation support portion 60. Further, a movable side engaging portion 76 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the operation handle 70 so as to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 71. The movable side engaging portion 76 of the operation handle 70 rotates the operation handle 70 from the starting end position to the intermediate reference position in the clockwise direction in FIG. 3 with respect to the fixed side engaging portion 62 of the rotation support portion 60. It is arranged at a position separated by the rotation angle. The fixed side engaging part 62 and the movable side engaging part 76 are formed in a semicircular cross section.

  When the operation handle 70 is pivoted strongly so as to pass the intermediate reference position, the movable side engaging portion 76 contacts the fixed side engaging portion 62 from one side in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. The movable side engaging portion 76 and the fixed side engaging portion 62 are in sliding contact with each other so that the movable side engaging portion 76 and the fixed side engaging portion 62 get over each other. The peripheral portion of the outer peripheral wall 72 in which the side engaging portion 76 is formed and the peripheral portion of the protrusion 61 in which the fixed side engaging portion 62 is formed are bent and deformed. Then, the movable side engaging portion 76 gets over the fixed side engaging portion 62 and comes into contact with the fixed side engaging portion 62 from the other side in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. It is locked to. When the operation handle 70 is locked at the intermediate reference position, the operation handle 70 is allowed to rotate from the intermediate reference position to the end position side, while the rotation from the intermediate reference position to the start end position side is restricted. The operation handle 70 can be changed at the intermediate reference position. As a result, it is no longer necessary to keep the hand operating the operating handle in a largely twisted state as in the prior art.

  When returning the operation handle 70 from the intermediate position to the start end position side, the operation handle 70 is arranged at the intermediate reference position and is held again, and then the counterclockwise clock is set so that the movable side engaging portion 76 gets over the fixed side engaging portion 62. The operation handle 70 may be pivoted strongly around. Note that the movable side engaging portion 76 and the fixed side engaging portion 62 may be formed of, for example, a resin integral with the operation handle 70 and the rotation support portion 60, or the operation handle 70 and the rotation support portion 60. It may be formed of an elastic member (for example, rubber) that is separately elastically deformable.

  In the present embodiment, the movable side engaging portion 76 and the fixed side engaging portion 62 correspond to the “handle restricting means”, the “first engaging portion”, and the “second engaging portion” of the present invention. The peripheral portion of the outer peripheral wall 72 where the movable side engaging portion 76 and the movable side engaging portion 76 are formed, and the peripheral portion of the protrusion 61 where the fixed side engaging portion 62 and the fixed side engaging portion 62 are formed are present. It corresponds to the “flexible part” of the invention. Further, the outer peripheral surfaces of the movable side engaging portion 76 and the fixed side engaging portion 62 correspond to “a pair of sliding contact portions” of the present invention, and among these outer peripheral surfaces, the operation handle 70 is locked at the intermediate reference position. In this state, the portion where the movable side engaging portion 76 and the fixed side engaging portion 62 abut corresponds to “a pair of locking portions” of the present invention.

  The firing operation unit 50 is provided with a rotation shaft 50S, and the operation handle 70 can be rotated between the start end position and the end position as described above around the rotation shaft 50S. One end of the rotating shaft 50 </ b> S is fitted to the operation handle 70, and the other end is fitted to the launching device 30 (see FIG. 4) built in the lower right corner of the gaming machine 10. Thereby, the launching device 30 launches a game ball into the game area R1 in accordance with the turning operation of the launch operation unit 50.

  The launcher 30 includes a drive unit 31 that operates the launcher 30, and is driven and controlled by a launch control board 120 described below. Note that the launching device 30 of the present embodiment has the same structure as that of the launching device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-151621 (see FIGS. 5 and 7).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of control boards such as a main control board 100, a sub control board 110, a launch control board 120, a sound control board 130, and a lamp control board 140. The main control board 100 controls the entire game and gives a control signal to each control board. Then, the sub control board 110 controls the effect screen displayed on the liquid crystal screen 13G based on the control signal received from the main control board 100, and gives control signals to the sound control board 130, the lamp control board 140, and the like. , Control sound and light game effects.

  Now, the firing control board 120 acquires the rotational position data D1 (see FIG. 5) of the operation handle 70 from the rotational position sensor 54, and controls the launching device 30 based on the rotational position data D1. In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the firing control board 120 is located at the first starting position where the operation handle 70 is slightly rotated from the starting position, the firing device 30 is stopped. In addition, when the operating handle 70 is located at the second starting position slightly away from the intermediate reference position, the launching device 30 is stopped, and the operating handle 70 is moved away from the starting end position to become the first starting position. The launching device 30 is configured to be operated when it is located closer to the intermediate reference position and when it is located farther from the second starting position and away from the intermediate reference position.

  Specifically, the CPU 120A of the launch control board 120 configures the control system shown in the block diagram of FIG. 5 by executing the launch control program stored in the ROM 120C. That is, when the rotational position data D1 is captured, the start determination unit 121 determines whether the rotational position data D1 is a value that does not exceed the start position and does not exceed the first start position, and exceeds the intermediate reference position. It is determined whether the value does not exceed the position. If the rotational position data D1 is a value that does not exceed the first start position beyond the start position, or a value that does not exceed the second reference position beyond the intermediate reference position, the switch 122 is set. The drive unit 31 is stopped in the off state, and the launching device 30 is stopped. On the other hand, if the rotational position data D1 is a value that does not exceed the first start position beyond the start position and does not exceed the second start position beyond the intermediate reference position, in other words, the first start position. If the value does not exceed the intermediate reference position and exceeds the second starting position, the switch 122 is turned on and connected to the motor power supply, and the driving unit 31 is driven to drive the launching device 30. Is activated. As described above, when the operation handle 70 is located at the start end position and the intermediate reference position, the firing device 30 is stopped, and when the operation handle 70 is separated from the start end position and the intermediate reference position, the firing device 30 is operated. The launch control program executed by the CPU 120A of the launch control board 120 corresponds to the “fire switch means” of the present invention.

  This completes the description of the configuration of the present embodiment. Next, the effect of the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the game state changes from left-handed game to right-handed game, the player rotates the operation handle 70 of the firing operation unit 50 clockwise in accordance with the change. The handle 70 is disposed at a position exceeding the intermediate reference position. Then, the game ball exceeds the reference launch intensity and flows down to the right flow down region R3.

  Here, in order to play a right-handed game, it is necessary to keep the hand operating the operation handle in a largely twisted state, and there is a problem that a physical burden is great for the player. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the movable handle 76 is provided on the operation handle 70 and the fixed engagement portion 62 is provided on the rotation support portion 60. Since the operation handle 70 can be held at the intermediate reference position by being locked at the position, it is not forced to keep the hand operating the operation handle 70 in a largely twisted state as in the prior art. As a result, the physical burden on the player can be suppressed, and the game can be enjoyed comfortably for a long time. In addition, the operation handle 70 can be locked at the intermediate reference position only by moving the operation handle 70 from the starting end position side so as to pass the intermediate reference position by one-hand operation, so that the game is not hindered. The operating handle 70 can be locked and held at the intermediate reference position.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the operation handle 70 is located at the intermediate reference position in addition to the start end position, the launching device 30 is stopped and the operation handle 70 is separated from the start end position and the intermediate reference position. Since the launching device 30 is configured to operate, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being fired while releasing the hand from the operation handle 70 at the intermediate reference position.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the embodiments described below are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention other than the following. It can be changed and implemented.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the launching device 30 is stopped when the operation handle 70 is located at the intermediate reference position, and the operation handle 70 is rotated to the second starting position slightly away from the intermediate reference position. For example, the operation device 70 is made of an insulating resin and can detect whether or not the player is in contact with the operation handle 70. Even when the player releases the hand from the operation handle 70 locked at the intermediate reference position, the launching device 30 is stopped, and when the player grasps the operation handle 70 again, the firing device 30 is activated. Good.

  (2) In the above embodiment, whether or not to activate the launching device 30 is determined using the rotational position data D1 acquired from the rotational position sensor 54. For example, FIG. 7 (A) and FIG. It is good also as a structure as shown to B). Specifically, a firing stop switch 130 is provided instead of the rotational position sensor 54. In addition, the movable side engaging portion 76V and the fixed side engaging portion 62V have, for example, a trapezoidal cross section, and the side surfaces 62M on which the movable side engaging portion 76V and the fixed side engaging portion 62V abut at the intermediate reference position. 76M is provided with conductive members 131 and 131. When these conductive members 131 come into contact with each other, the launch stop switch 130 is turned on, and a launch stop signal is output to the launch control board 120 to stop the launch device 30.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the operating handle 70 is pivoted strongly from the intermediate reference position to the starting end position side to release the engagement between the movable side engaging portion 76 and the fixed side engaging portion 62. For example, the fixed side protrusion is configured to be movable from the engagement position to the engagement release position by the engagement release operation unit provided in the firing operation unit 50, and the operation handle 70 is operated by operating the engagement release operation unit. The structure which accept | permits the rotation from the intermediate | middle reference position to the start end position side may be sufficient. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can be moved to a disengagement position from an engagement position by a disengagement operation part instead of a fixed side protrusion. With this configuration, even when the locking force by the movable side engaging portion and the fixed side engaging portion is increased, the locking can be easily released.

  (4) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the movable side engaging portion 76 is formed on the outer peripheral wall 72 of the operation handle 70, and the fixed side engaging portion 62 is formed on the protrusion 61 of the rotation support portion 60. For example, the movable side engaging portion 76 may be formed on the annular wall 74 of the operation handle 70, and the fixed side engaging portion 62 may be formed on the protrusion 61 of the rotation support portion 60. The movable side engaging portion 76 may be formed on the opening edge of the opening 77 of the operation handle 70, and the fixed side engaging portion 62 may be formed on the support column 81.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, the movable side engaging portion 76 and the fixed side engaging portion 62 are ridges having a semicircular cross section, but for example, ridges having a triangular cross section or a trapezoidal cross section. There may be.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, the movable side engaging portion 76 and the fixed side engaging portion 62 that form ridges are exemplified as the pair of engaging portions of the present invention. For example, a pair of engaging portions As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the flexible piece 62W bent in a substantially V shape on the rotation support portion 60 and the position facing the flexible piece 62W on the operation handle 70 side. It may be the movable side engaging part 76 provided in the. Further, in the above configuration, the operation handle 70 is moved to the start end position side by providing the locking release guide portion 62G inclined toward the outer peripheral wall 72 of the operation handle 70 toward the base end portion at the distal end portion of the movable piece 62W. When returning, the movable side engaging portion 76 can be guided to the start end position side by the locking release guide portion 62G of the flexible piece 62W.

The above embodiment includes the following [Feature 1] to [Feature 5].

[Feature 1]
A game board with a game area where game balls flow down;
An operation handle that is rotated between a start position and an end position;
A handle biasing means for biasing the operation handle toward the starting end position;
A launching device that launches a game ball toward the gaming area with a firing strength according to the rotational position of the operation handle;
An area dividing member disposed in the middle of the gaming area in the left-right direction and dividing the gaming area into a first falling area and a second falling area;
The launch intensity of the game ball by the launcher increases as the operation handle moves away from the start position, and exceeds a reference launch intensity when an intermediate reference position between the start position and the end position is exceeded. A game ball exceeding the firing strength flows over the region segment member and flows down the second flow-down region, and a game ball that does not exceed the reference firing strength does not climb over the region segment member and the first flow-down region. In the gaming machine that flows down,
The operation handle is locked to the intermediate reference position to allow the operation handle to rotate from the intermediate reference position to the end position side, while the operation handle from the intermediate reference position to the start end position side. A gaming machine provided with a handle restricting means for restricting the rotation of the machine.

In the gaming machine of feature 1, the launching intensity of the game ball by the launching device increases as the operation handle moves away from the starting end position, and exceeds the reference launching intensity when the intermediate reference position is exceeded. Then, the game balls that exceed the reference firing strength get over the area segment member in the game area and flow down the second flow-down area, and the game balls that do not exceed the reference launch strength do not get over the area division member and flow down to the first flow area. Down the area. Here, the operation handle can be locked at the intermediate reference position by the handle restricting means. When the operation handle is locked at the intermediate reference position, the operation handle is allowed to rotate from the intermediate reference position to the end position side. On the other hand, since the rotation from the intermediate reference position to the start end position is restricted, the operation handle can be changed at the intermediate reference position, and the hand operating the operation handle is kept twisted as in the conventional case. Will not be forced. Thereby, the physical burden on the player can be suppressed, and the game can be enjoyed comfortably for a long time.

[Feature 2]
When the operation handle is located at the start position and at the intermediate reference position, the firing device is stopped, and the operation handle is separated from the start position and the intermediate reference position. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a launch switch means for operating the launch device.

In the gaming machine of feature 2, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being fired while releasing the hand from the operation handle at the intermediate reference position.

[Feature 3]
The handle restricting means includes a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion provided separately for one and the other of the operation handle and a rotation support portion that rotatably supports the operation handle, A flexible portion provided on at least one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion,
The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are in sliding contact with each other when the operation handle is moved from the start end position side to pass the intermediate reference position, and the first engagement portion A pair of sliding contact portions for deforming the flexible portion so that the second engaging portion gets over each other, and a contact with each other when the operation handle is moved from the end position side toward the intermediate reference position. The game machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pair of locking portions that are locked with a strength greater than the biasing force of the handle biasing means.

According to the gaming machine of feature 3, the operation handle can be locked to the intermediate reference position only by moving the operation handle from the starting end position side through the intermediate reference position by one-hand operation.

[Feature 4]
4. The game according to claim 3, wherein an engagement release operation portion for moving the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion is provided on a side on which the engagement of the pair of engagement portions is released. Machine.

The gaming machine of feature 4 includes an engagement release operation portion for moving the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion on the side where the engagement of the pair of engagement portions is released. Even if the locking force by the pair of locking portions is increased, the locking can be easily released.

[Feature 5]
When the pair of locking portions are pressed against each other by a force greater than the urging force by the handle urging means, the first engaging portion or the The gaming machine according to Feature 3, further comprising an unlocking guide portion that guides the second engaging portion.

According to the gaming machine of feature 5, the locking can be released by turning the operation handle strongly toward the start end position side by one-hand operation.

10 gaming machine 11 game board 14 decoration frame (region division member)
30 Launcher 51 Torsion coil spring (handle biasing means)
60 Rotating support part 62,62V Fixed side engaging part (handle regulating means, engaging part)
62G Unlocking guide part 62W Flexible piece (engagement part)
70 Operating handle 76, 76V Movable side engaging part (handle regulating means, engaging part)
R1 game area R2 left flow area (first flow area)
R3 Right downstream area (second downstream area)

Claims (1)

A game board with a game area where game balls flow down;
An operation handle that is rotated between a start position and an end position;
A handle biasing means for biasing the operation handle toward the starting end position;
A launching device that launches a game ball toward the gaming area with a firing strength according to the rotational position of the operation handle;
An area dividing member disposed in the middle of the gaming area in the left-right direction and dividing the gaming area into a first falling area and a second falling area;
The launch intensity of the game ball by the launcher increases as the operation handle moves away from the start position, and exceeds a reference launch intensity when an intermediate reference position between the start position and the end position is exceeded. A game ball exceeding the firing strength flows over the region segment member and flows down the second flow-down region, and a game ball that does not exceed the reference firing strength does not climb over the region segment member and the first flow-down region. In the gaming machine that flows down,
The operation handle is locked to the intermediate reference position to allow the operation handle to rotate from the intermediate reference position to the end position side, while the operation handle from the intermediate reference position to the start end position side. A handle restricting means for restricting the rotation of the
When the operation handle is located at the start position and at the intermediate reference position, the firing device is stopped, and the operation handle is separated from the start position and the intermediate reference position. And a launch switch means for operating the launch device .

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