JP6702927B2

JP6702927B2 - Amusement machine

Info

Publication number: JP6702927B2
Application number: JP2017223138A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 俊幸小島; 勲岩本
Original assignee: 株式会社ニューギン
Priority date: 2017-11-20
Filing date: 2017-11-20
Publication date: 2020-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-20
Also published as: JP2019092668A

Description

本発明は、ハンドルを備えた遊技機に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a gaming machine equipped with a handle.

例えば、遊技機の代表例の一つであるパチンコ機は、前後に開口する矩形枠状に形成されて遊技店の設置枠台に固定される固定枠としての外枠と、該外枠に対して開閉可能に支持されて遊技盤を着脱自在に保持する本体枠としての中枠と、該中枠の前側に開閉可能に支持されてパチンコ機前面を装飾すると共に遊技盤を透視保護するガラス板を備えた装飾枠としての前枠とを基本的に備えている。また、パチンコ機の正面には、遊技球を貯留する上球皿および下球皿が配設されると共に、該パチンコ機の正面右下部に、遊技者が遊技球の発射操作を行うためのハンドルが配設されている。 For example, a pachinko machine, which is one of the representative examples of gaming machines, has an outer frame as a fixed frame that is formed in a rectangular frame shape that opens in the front and rear and is fixed to an installation frame base of a game store, and the outer frame. And a middle frame as a main body frame that is openably and closably supported to hold the game board detachably, and a glass plate that is openably and closably supported on the front side of the middle frame to decorate the front of the pachinko machine and to protect the game board from perspective. Basically, it has a front frame as a decorative frame. Further, on the front of the pachinko machine, an upper ball plate and a lower ball plate for storing game balls are arranged, and a handle for the player to perform the operation of launching the game ball on the lower right front of the pachinko machine. Are arranged.

前記ハンドルは、前枠または中枠に配設された本体部と、該本体部の前側に回転自在に設けられた操作部とを備え、遊技者が操作部を回転操作することで前記中枠に設けられた打球発射装置が作動して、遊技球が遊技領域に向けて打ち出されるよう構成されている。また、ハンドルにおける操作部の回転操作量(回転量)に応じて、打球発射装置による遊技球の発射強度が変化して、遊技領域への打ち込み位置を任意に変更し得るようになっている。そして、前記ハンドルでは、前記操作部と本体部とに掛止される復帰バネが配設されており、操作部を回転させることに伴って復帰バネが弾性変形して復帰弾力が発現し、遊技者が操作部を解放することで、該操作部を復帰弾力によって停止位置(初期位置)へ戻すよう構成されている(例えば、特許文献１参照)。 The handle includes a main body portion arranged in the front frame or the middle frame, and an operation portion rotatably provided on the front side of the main body portion, and the player rotates the operation portion to rotate the middle frame. The hitting ball launching device provided in is operated so that the game ball is hit toward the game area. Further, according to the rotational operation amount (rotation amount) of the operating section of the handle, the launch strength of the game ball by the ball launching device changes, and the driving position into the game area can be arbitrarily changed. Then, in the handle, a return spring that is hooked to the operation portion and the main body portion is provided, and as the operation portion is rotated, the return spring is elastically deformed and a return elastic force is developed, and a game is played. When a person releases the operation unit, the operation unit is returned to the stop position (initial position) by the return elasticity (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

特開２００９−１６５７８０号公報JP, 2009-165780, A

従来のハンドルでは、操作部に加わる復帰バネの復帰弾力は、該操作部の回転量の大きさに比例して大きくなる。そのため、遊技者が操作部を所定量だけ回転した位置で保持するために必要となる力は、操作部の回転量が大きくなるほど大きくなり、殊に操作部の回転量が最大となる右打ちの遊技状態を長時間続ける場合には、遊技者の負担も大きくなっていた。 In the conventional handle, the return elastic force of the return spring applied to the operation portion increases in proportion to the amount of rotation of the operation portion. Therefore, the force required for the player to hold the operating section at a position rotated by a predetermined amount becomes larger as the rotating quantity of the operating section becomes larger, and in particular, the right-hand striking that maximizes the rotating quantity of the operating section. When the game state is continued for a long time, the player's burden is also heavy.

そこで本発明は、従来の技術に係る遊技機に内在する前記課題に鑑み、これを好適に解決するべく提案されたものであって、遊技者の負担を低減し得るハンドルを備えた遊技機を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, the present invention has been proposed in view of the above problems inherent in the gaming machine according to the related art, and is proposed to suitably solve this problem, and provides a gaming machine provided with a handle that can reduce the burden on the player. The purpose is to provide.

前記課題を解決し、所期の目的を達成するため、本願の請求項１に係る発明は、
本体部(34,35)と、該本体部(34,35)に回転自在に支持されて停止位置と最大回転位置との間で回転可能な操作部(36)とを有するハンドル(16)を備え、該ハンドル(16)における前記操作部(36)の停止位置から最大回転位置に向けた回転量に応じて、遊技領域(20a)へ向けた遊技球の発射強度が変化するよう構成された遊技機において、
前記本体部(34,35)の内部に配設され、一端部が前記本体部(34,35)に係止されると共に、他端部が前記操作部(36)に係止された定荷重バネ(43)を備え、
前記ハンドル(16)の操作に応じた遊技球の発射強度は、前記操作部(36)の回転量が閾値(H)以上で、遊技球が前記遊技領域(20a)に到達可能に設定され、
前記停止位置から最大回転位置に向けて回転する前記操作部(36)の回転量が前記閾値(H)に達するまでは、前記定荷重バネ(43)が該操作部(36)に付与する前記停止位置に向けた復帰付勢力が増加し、該閾値(H)を越えて回転する前記操作部(36)には、前記定荷重バネ(43)が略一定の前記復帰付勢力を付与するよう構成されたことを要旨とする。
この構成によれば、操作部に加わる復帰付勢力の大きさ(強さ)が変化しなくなることで、遊技者に、遊技領域に到達する発射強度で遊技球が発射されることを認識させ得るので、発射強度が不足して遊技球がファール球となるのを防ぐことができる。
請求項２に係る発明は、前記定荷重バネ(43)により付与される前記復帰付勢力に応じて前記停止位置に向けて回転する前記操作部(36)に対し制動力を付与可能な制動手段(44)を備えていることを要旨とする。 In order to solve the above problems and achieve the intended purpose, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application is
A handle (16) having a main body (34, 35) and an operating portion (36) rotatably supported by the main body (34, 35) and rotatable between a stop position and a maximum rotation position. The handle (16) is configured such that the strength of the game ball toward the game area (20a) changes according to the amount of rotation of the operating portion (36) from the stop position to the maximum rotation position. In gaming machines,
A constant load disposed inside the main body portion (34, 35), one end of which is locked to the main body portion (34, 35) and the other end of which is locked to the operation portion (36). Equipped with a spring (43),
The shooting intensity of the game ball according to the operation of the handle (16) is set such that the rotation amount of the operation unit (36) is a threshold value (H) or more and the game ball can reach the game area (20a),
Wherein from stop position to the operating portion to rotate toward the maximum rotation position rotational amount of (36) reaches the threshold value (H), wherein the constant force spring (43) applied to the operation portion (36) wherein increased return biasing force toward the stop position, the threshold value the operating portion to rotate beyond the (H) (36), said constant force spring (43) to grant the return biasing force substantially constant The summary is that it is configured as follows.
According to this configuration, the magnitude (strength) of the return urging force applied to the operation unit does not change, and thus the player can recognize that the game ball is fired with the firing strength reaching the game area. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gaming ball from becoming a foul ball due to insufficient launch strength.
The invention according to claim 2 is a braking means capable of applying a braking force to the operation portion (36) rotating toward the stop position in response to the return urging force applied by the constant load spring (43). The point is to have (44).

本願には、次のような技術的思想が含まれる。
本体部(34,35)と、該本体部(34,35)に回転自在に支持されて停止位置と最大回転位置との間で回転可能な操作部(36)とを有するハンドル(16)を備え、該ハンドル(16)における前記操作部(36)の停止位置から最大回転位置に向けた回転量に応じて、遊技領域(20a)へ向けた遊技球の発射強度が変化するよう構成された遊技機において、
前記本体部(34,35)の内部に配設され、一端部が前記本体部(34,35)に係止されると共に、他端部が前記操作部(36)に係止された定荷重バネ(43)を備え、
前記停止位置から最大回転位置に向けて回転した前記操作部(36)に、前記停止位置に向けて略一定の復帰付勢力が前記定荷重バネ(43)によって付与されるよう構成したことを要旨とする。
この構成によれば、操作部には、その回転量に拘わらず略一定の復帰付勢力が付与されるよう構成したので、操作部を大きく回転した状態を長時間に亘って維持する遊技を行う場合であっても、遊技者の負担を低減することができる。 The present application includes the following technical ideas.
A handle (16) having a main body (34, 35) and an operating portion (36) rotatably supported by the main body (34, 35) and rotatable between a stop position and a maximum rotation position. The handle (16) is configured such that the strength of the game ball toward the game area (20a) changes according to the amount of rotation of the operating portion (36) from the stop position to the maximum rotation position. In gaming machines,
A constant load disposed inside the main body portion (34, 35), one end of which is locked to the main body portion (34, 35) and the other end of which is locked to the operation portion (36). Equipped with a spring (43),
The operation part (36) rotated from the stop position to the maximum rotation position is configured such that a substantially constant return urging force is applied by the constant load spring (43) toward the stop position. And
According to this configuration , the operation portion is configured to be provided with a substantially constant return urging force regardless of the rotation amount thereof, so that a game in which the operation portion is largely rotated is maintained for a long time. Even in this case, the burden on the player can be reduced.

本願には、次のような技術的思想が含まれる。
前記定荷重バネ(43)は、前記本体部(34,35)の内部中心に設けた巻芯(38)に渦巻き状に巻回されて、該定荷重バネ(43)の巻回中心側の一端部が前記巻芯(38)に係止されると共に、該定荷重バネ(43)の巻回外周側の他端部が前記操作部(36)に係止され、
前記操作部(36)を前記停止位置から最大回転位置に向けて回転することで延びる前記定荷重バネ(43)によって、該操作部(36)に前記停止位置に向けた略一定の復帰付勢力が付与されるよう構成したことを要旨とする。
この構成によれば、定荷重バネを本体部の内部中心に設けているので、操作部に対して適正に復帰付勢力を付与することができる。 The present application includes the following technical ideas.
Before Kijo load spring (43), the wound spirally winding core (38) provided inside the center of the main body portion (34, 35), the winding center side of the constant force spring (43) One end of the constant load spring (43) is locked to the winding core (38), and the other end of the constant load spring (43) on the outer circumference side is locked to the operating part (36).
By the constant load spring (43) extending by rotating the operation part (36) from the stop position toward the maximum rotation position, the operation part (36) has a substantially constant return biasing force toward the stop position. The gist is that it is configured to be given.
According to this structure, since the constant load spring is provided at the center of the inside of the main body, it is possible to properly apply the return biasing force to the operating portion.

本発明に係る遊技機によれば、遊技を長時間に亘って継続する場合における遊技者の負担を低減することができる。 According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the player when the game is continued for a long time.

実施例に係るパチンコ機を示す正面図である。It is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to an example. 実施例に係るハンドルユニットの概略断面図である。It is a schematic sectional drawing of the handle unit which concerns on an Example. 実施例に係るハンドルユニットに関わる制御ブロック図である。It is a control block diagram concerning the handle unit concerning an example. 別実施例に係る制動手段の構成を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the braking means which concerns on another Example.

次に、本発明に係る遊技機につき、好適な実施例を挙げて、添付図面を参照しながら以下詳細に説明する。なお、実施例では、遊技球としてパチンコ球を用いて遊技を行うパチンコ機を例に挙げて説明する。また、以下の説明において、「前」、「後」、「左」、「右」、「上」、「下」とは、特に断りのない限り、図１に示すようにパチンコ機を前側(遊技者側)から見た状態で指称する。 Next, a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, with reference to preferred embodiments. In the embodiment, a pachinko machine that performs a game using a pachinko ball as a game ball will be described as an example. Further, in the following description, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” refer to the pachinko machine as shown in FIG. It is called as seen from the player side.

(パチンコ機１０について)
実施例に係るパチンコ機１０は、図１に示すように、遊技店に設けられた「島」とも称される設置枠台(図示せず)に固定される固定枠としての外枠１１と、該外枠１１に対して着脱および開閉可能に枢支された本体枠としての中枠１２と、該中枠１２に着脱交換可能に取り付けられて所要の遊技領域２０ａが画成された遊技盤２０と、中枠１２の前面側に着脱および開閉可能に枢支され、該中枠１２に配設した遊技盤２０を透視保護する透明板１３ａが配設される前枠１３とを備えている。前枠１３には、パチンコ球(遊技球)を貯留可能な上球皿１４が前記透明板１３ａの配設部位の下方前側に組み付けられ、パチンコ球を貯留可能な下球皿１５が前記上球皿１４の下方に組み付けられている。また、前枠１３における前側右下部には、中枠１２に配設した打球発射装置１８(図３参照)を作動させるハンドルユニット(ハンドル)１６が組み付けられており、該ハンドルユニット１６を操作すると上球皿１４に貯留されたパチンコ球を遊技盤２０の遊技領域２０ａに向けて打ち出すよう構成されている。 (About pachinko machine 10)
The pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an outer frame 11 as a fixed frame fixed to an installation frame base (not shown) also called an “island” provided in a game store, A game board 20 in which a middle frame 12 as a main body frame that is detachably and openably and closably supported with respect to the outer frame 11 and a required game area 20a that is detachably attached to the middle frame 12 is defined. And a front frame 13 rotatably supported on the front side of the middle frame 12 so as to be attachable/detachable and openable/closable and provided with a transparent plate 13a for transparently protecting the game board 20 arranged on the middle frame 12. On the front frame 13, an upper ball plate 14 capable of storing pachinko balls (gaming balls) is assembled on the lower front side of the installation site of the transparent plate 13a, and a lower ball plate 15 capable of storing pachinko balls is the upper ball. It is assembled below the plate 14. Further, a handle unit (handle) 16 for actuating a hitting ball launching device 18 (see FIG. 3) arranged in the middle frame 12 is attached to the lower right part of the front side of the front frame 13, and when the handle unit 16 is operated, The pachinko balls stored in the upper ball plate 14 are configured to be launched toward the game area 20a of the game board 20.

(遊技盤２０について)
前記遊技盤２０は、図１に示すように、略円形状に湾曲する外レール２１および内レール２２が盤面(前面)に配設されて、該内外レール２１,２２の内側に画成される遊技領域２０ａ内に、枠状装飾体２７、始動入賞装置２３および特別入賞装置２４、遊技釘２５、回転案内具２６等の各種遊技用部品が配置されると共に、枠状装飾体２７に画成された表示開口２７ａを介して図柄表示装置１７の表示部１７ａが前側に臨むよう構成される。また、前記外レール２１および内レール２２は、パチンコ球が通過可能な距離だけ離間するよう構成されて、打球発射装置１８から発射されたパチンコ球が通過する発射通路２８を画成している。ここで、発射通路２８は、遊技盤２０の下端左寄り位置で下方に開口すると共に、遊技盤２０の左上部位置で遊技領域２０ａ内に発射口２９を開口しており、打球発射装置１８から発射されて発射通路２８を移動するパチンコ球が発射口２９から遊技領域２０ａの上部位置に打ち出されるようになっている。そして、遊技領域２０ａに打ち出されたパチンコ球が、始動入賞装置２３、特別入賞装置２４およびその他の入賞口に入賞することで、所定数の賞球が払い出されるようになっている。なお、遊技盤２０において遊技領域２０ａの最下部位置に、該遊技領域２０ａの最下部位置まで流下したパチンコ球を遊技盤２０の外部に排出するアウト口１９が開設されている。 (About game board 20)
As shown in FIG. 1, the game board 20 has an outer rail 21 and an inner rail 22 that are curved in a substantially circular shape and are arranged on the board surface (front surface), and are defined inside the inner and outer rails 21, 22. In the game area 20a, various game parts such as a frame-shaped ornament 27, a start winning device 23, a special prize device 24, a game nail 25, and a rotation guide 26 are arranged, and the frame-shaped ornament 27 is defined. The display portion 17a of the symbol display device 17 is configured to face the front side through the displayed opening 27a. Further, the outer rail 21 and the inner rail 22 are configured to be separated by a distance that allows the pachinko ball to pass therethrough, and define a launch passage 28 through which the pachinko ball fired from the hitting ball launching device 18 passes. Here, the launch passage 28 opens downward at the lower left position of the game board 20, and also has a launch port 29 opened in the game area 20a at the upper left position of the game board 20, and is launched from the hitting ball launching device 18. The pachinko ball that is moved in the launch passage 28 is launched from the launch port 29 to the upper position of the game area 20a. Then, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by the pachinko balls hit in the game area 20a winning the start winning device 23, the special winning device 24 and other winning openings. In addition, at the lowest position of the game area 20a in the game board 20, an outlet 19 is provided for discharging the pachinko ball that has flown down to the lowest position of the game area 20a to the outside of the game board 20.

(打球発射装置１８について)
前記打球発射装置１８は、ロータリーソレノイド等の駆動手段により往復動してパチンコ球を打ち出す打球杆と、右から左に向けて上方傾斜する発射レールとを備え、前記ハンドルユニット１６の回転操作部材(操作部)３６(後述)が回転操作されると、打球杆が作動してパチンコ球を発射レールに沿って打ち出すよう構成される。なお、前記中枠１２の後側には、ハンドルユニット１６の操作に基づいて打球発射装置１８を駆動制御する発射制御装置３０(図３参照)が配設されており、該発射制御装置３０から出力される制御信号に基づいて前記駆動手段が制御される。発射制御装置３０には、ハンドルユニット１６に配設された後述の可変抵抗器４０、ＯＮ−ＯＦＦスイッチ４１およびタッチセンサ４２からの各々の信号が入力され、これら信号に基づいて打球発射装置１８に対して前記制御信号を出力する。 (About the ball launch device 18)
The hitting ball launching device 18 includes a hitting rod that reciprocates by a driving means such as a rotary solenoid to hit a pachinko ball, and a launching rail that inclines upward from right to left, and a rotary operation member of the handle unit 16. When the (operation unit) 36 (described later) is rotationally operated, the ball striking rod is actuated to launch a pachinko ball along the launch rail. A firing control device 30 (see FIG. 3) that drives and controls the hitting ball firing device 18 based on the operation of the handle unit 16 is provided on the rear side of the middle frame 12. The drive means is controlled based on the output control signal. The firing control device 30 receives signals from a variable resistor 40, an ON-OFF switch 41, and a touch sensor 42, which will be described later, which are provided in the handle unit 16, and the hitting ball launching device 18 receives the signals based on these signals. In response, the control signal is output.

前記ハンドルユニット１６は、後述する定荷重バネ４３によって左回転方向に付勢された回転操作部材３６を備えており、該回転操作部材３６を右回転するよう遊技者が回転操作することで打球発射装置１８が作動されて、前記上球皿１４に貯留されたパチンコ球が前記遊技領域２０ａに向けて発射されるようになっている。ここで、前記回転操作部材３６の回転量に応じて前記打球発射装置１８によるパチンコ球の打球力(発射強度)が強弱変化するよう構成されており、遊技者が回転操作部材３６を操作して回転量を調節することで、前記遊技盤２０に配設された枠状装飾体２７の左側の遊技領域２０ａをパチンコ球が流下する所謂「左打ち」と、該枠状装飾体２７の右側の遊技領域２０ａをパチンコ球が流下する所謂「右打ち」とを打ち分け得るようになっている。 The handle unit 16 is provided with a rotation operation member 36 biased in a left rotation direction by a constant load spring 43 described later, and a player rotationally operates the rotation operation member 36 so as to rotate the rotation operation member 36 to shoot a ball. The device 18 is operated so that the pachinko balls stored in the upper ball plate 14 are fired toward the game area 20a. Here, the hitting force (firing strength) of the pachinko ball by the hitting ball launching device 18 is configured to change in intensity depending on the amount of rotation of the rotary operating member 36, and the player operates the rotary operating member 36. By adjusting the amount of rotation, a so-called "left hit" in which a pachinko ball flows down the left side game area 20a of the frame-shaped ornament 27 arranged on the game board 20, and the right side of the frame-shaped ornament 27 The so-called "right-handed" in which a pachinko ball flows down the game area 20a can be hit separately.

実施例のパチンコ機１０では、前記打球発射装置１８から発射されて遊技領域２０ａを流下するパチンコ球が入球部(始動入賞装置２３、特別入賞装置２４等)に入球することにより、入球した入球部に応じた賞球の払い出しや図柄変動演出の実行等の所定の遊技が行われ、遊技領域２０ａの最下部まで流下したパチンコ球が前記アウト口１９を介して機外に排出される。具体的に、始動入賞装置２３が備える入賞検出センサによるパチンコ球の検出に伴い当り判定が実行されて、その判定結果が当りであった場合に、前記図柄表示装置１７で行われる図柄変動演出の結果として所定の当り表示(例えば同一図柄の３つ揃い等)で飾図が確定停止表示されて、前記特別入賞装置２４の特別入賞口が開放する遊技者に有利な当り遊技が付与されるよう構成される。また、実施例のパチンコ機１０では、当り判定で当った当りの種類に応じて、当り遊技後に各種の遊技状態(例えば、確変状態や変短状態)が付与されて、該遊技状態に応じてパチンコ球を「右打ち」や「左打ち」に打ち分けることで、遊技者に有利な遊技を行い得るよう構成されている。 In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, the pachinko ball that is emitted from the hitting ball launching device 18 and flows down the game area 20a enters the ball entering portion (starting winning device 23, special winning device 24, etc.) to enter the ball. A predetermined game such as payout of prize balls or execution of symbol variation production according to the entered ball portion is performed, and the pachinko ball that has flown down to the bottom of the game area 20a is discharged to the outside of the machine through the outlet 19. It Specifically, the hit determination is executed in accordance with the detection of the pachinko ball by the prize detection sensor included in the starting winning device 23, and when the result of the determination is a hit, the symbol variation effect is performed in the symbol display device 17. As a result, the decorative design is fixedly stopped and displayed by a predetermined winning display (for example, three identical designs are arranged), and a winning game advantageous to the player whose special winning opening of the special winning device 24 is opened is given. Composed. Further, in the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, various gaming states (for example, a probable variation state and a variation state) are given after the winning game in accordance with the type of hit in the hit determination, and depending on the gaming state. By striking the pachinko ball into “right hit” and “left hit”, it is possible to play a game advantageous to the player.

前記前枠１３には、前記下球皿１５の右部に、前記ハンドルユニット１６を取り付けるハンドル取付部３１(図２参照)が設けられている。このハンドル取付部３１は、前方に開口した円筒状に形成されており、ハンドルユニット１６の支持筒体(本体部)３４(後述)が該ハンドル取付部３１に対して前側から嵌挿されるようになっている。 A handle mounting portion 31 (see FIG. 2) for mounting the handle unit 16 is provided on the right portion of the lower bowl 15 of the front frame 13. The handle mounting portion 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open to the front, so that the support cylinder body (main body portion) 34 (described later) of the handle unit 16 can be fitted into the handle mounting portion 31 from the front side. Is becoming

(ハンドルユニット１６について)
前記ハンドルユニット１６は、図２に示すように、前記ハンドル取付部３１に固定される円筒状の取付部３２と、該取付部３２の前側に設けられて遊技者が把持する球形状の把持部３３とから構成される。このハンドルユニット１６は、把持部３３の後側部分および取付部３２を形成する支持筒体３４と、該支持筒体３４の前側に取り付けられて把持部３３の前側部分を形成するキャップ体３５と、支持筒体３４およびキャップ体３５の間に回転可能に支持された操作部としての回転操作部材３６とを互いに組み付けたユニット部材である。そしてハンドルユニット１６は、取付部３２の後部を、ハンドル取付部３１に前側から嵌挿して固定することにより、図１に示すように、水平前方に対しやや右方へ傾いた姿勢で取り付けられ、遊技者が自然な姿勢で右手により把持操作できるよう考慮されている。実施例では、キャップ体３５および支持筒体３４から、回転操作部材３６を回転自在に支持する本体部が構成される。 (About handle unit 16)
As shown in FIG. 2, the handle unit 16 includes a cylindrical mounting portion 32 fixed to the handle mounting portion 31, and a spherical grip portion provided on the front side of the mounting portion 32 and gripped by a player. And 33. The handle unit 16 includes a support cylinder 34 that forms the rear portion of the grip 33 and the mounting portion 32, and a cap body 35 that is attached to the front side of the support cylinder 34 and forms the front portion of the grip 33. A rotary operation member 36 as an operation unit rotatably supported between the support cylinder 34 and the cap body 35 is a unit member assembled together. Then, the handle unit 16 is attached in a posture in which the rear portion of the attachment portion 32 is fitted and fixed to the handle attachment portion 31 from the front side, as shown in FIG. It is considered that the player can hold and operate with a right hand in a natural posture. In the embodiment, the main body that rotatably supports the rotation operation member 36 is composed of the cap body 35 and the support cylinder body 34.

前記支持筒体３４の前端部には、前記回転操作部材３６の回転中心に対応する位置に、前方に突出する支持部３７が設けられ、該支持部３７の外側に、後述する定荷重バネ４３の一端部が係止された巻芯３８が配設されている。なお、巻芯３８は、中空のドラム状に形成されて、その中心通孔に支持部３７が挿通された状態で、回転不能に取り付けられる。そして、前記回転操作部材３６の回転中心に一体で回転するように設けられて後方に延在する回転軸(回転部)３９が、支持部３７に挿通されて支持筒体３４の内部に臨むよう構成される。なお、支持筒体３４には、電気部品としての可変抵抗器(ボリュームスイッチ)４０や、打球発射装置１８をＯＮ・ＯＦＦ制御するＯＮ・ＯＦＦスイッチ４１や、回転操作部材３６に遊技者の手が接触したことを感知するタッチセンサ４２が取り付けられており、該可変抵抗器４０、ＯＮ・ＯＦＦスイッチ４１およびタッチセンサ４２は、前記発射制御装置３０に電気的に接続されている(図３参照)。 A support portion 37 protruding forward is provided at a position corresponding to the rotation center of the rotation operation member 36 at the front end portion of the support cylindrical body 34, and a constant force spring 43 described later is provided outside the support portion 37. Is provided with a winding core 38 whose one end is locked. The winding core 38 is formed in a hollow drum shape, and is non-rotatably attached in a state where the support portion 37 is inserted into the center through hole. A rotating shaft (rotating portion) 39, which is provided so as to rotate integrally with the rotation center of the rotation operating member 36 and extends rearward, is inserted into the supporting portion 37 and faces the inside of the supporting cylindrical body 34. Composed. The support cylinder 34 has a variable resistor (volume switch) 40 as an electric component, an ON/OFF switch 41 for ON/OFF control of the hitting ball launching device 18, and a player's hand on the rotary operation member 36. A touch sensor 42 that senses contact is attached, and the variable resistor 40, ON/OFF switch 41, and touch sensor 42 are electrically connected to the firing control device 30 (see FIG. 3). .

前記可変抵抗器４０は、図示しないが、抵抗器本体と、該抵抗器本体から外方へ延出した支軸とを備え、該支軸が前記回転操作部材３６に固定されている。すなわち、可変抵抗器４０は、支軸を中心として回転操作部材３６を回転させることで、該支軸が抵抗器本体に対して回転して抵抗値が変化し、抵抗値の変化に応じた信号を前記発射制御装置３０に出力する。これにより発射制御装置３０は、前記打球発射装置１８の駆動手段に供給される電流を変化させ、打球杆によるパチンコ球の打出し力(発射強度)が強弱調節される。すなわち、ハンドルユニット１６における回転操作部材３６の後述する停止位置から最大回転位置に向けた回転量に応じて、前記遊技領域２０ａへ向けたパチンコ球の発射強度が変化する。 Although not shown, the variable resistor 40 includes a resistor body and a support shaft extending outward from the resistor body, and the support shaft is fixed to the rotation operating member 36. That is, the variable resistor 40 rotates the rotation operation member 36 about the support shaft, so that the support shaft rotates with respect to the resistor body to change the resistance value, and a signal corresponding to the change in the resistance value. Is output to the firing control device 30. As a result, the firing control device 30 changes the current supplied to the driving means of the hitting ball launching device 18, and the launching force (launching strength) of the pachinko ball by the hitting rod is adjusted to be strong or weak. That is, the launch intensity of the pachinko ball toward the game area 20a changes in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rotary operation member 36 of the handle unit 16 from the stop position to be described later to the maximum rotation position.

前記ＯＮ・ＯＦＦスイッチ４１は、前記打球発射装置１８の駆動手段をＯＮ・ＯＦＦ制御するもので、実施例では押しボタンを備え、該押しボタンの操作によって駆動手段をＯＮ状態とＯＦＦ状態とに切り替え得るよう構成される。また、前記タッチセンサ４２は、表面がメッキ処理された前記回転操作部材３６に遊技者の手が接触したことを感知するもので、遊技者の手(指先)が回転操作部材３６に接触した際に、該回転操作部材３６を介して流れる微細な電気を感知し、これによる感知信号を前記発射制御装置３０へ出力する。 The ON/OFF switch 41 controls ON/OFF of the driving means of the hitting ball launching device 18. In the embodiment, a push button is provided, and the driving means is switched between an ON state and an OFF state by operating the push button. Configured to obtain. The touch sensor 42 senses that the player's hand touches the rotary operation member 36 whose surface is plated, and when the player's hand (fingertip) touches the rotary operation member 36. Then, the minute electricity flowing through the rotation operation member 36 is sensed, and a sensing signal resulting from this is output to the firing control device 30.

前記本体部(キャップ体３５および支持筒体３４)に回転自在に支持された前記回転操作部材３６は、停止位置と、該停止位置から右方へ回転変位した最大回転位置との間で回転可能となっている。実施例のハンドルユニット１６では、回転操作部材３６を停止位置から右方向へ約１２０度回転させた位置が最大回転位置となっており、停止位置からの回転操作部材３６の回転角度(回転量)に比例して、前記打球発射装置１８における打球杆の打出し力(発射強度)が増加するようになっている。但し、回転操作部材３６の停止位置から最大回転位置までの回転角度は１２０度に限定されるものではない。 The rotation operating member 36 rotatably supported by the main body (cap body 35 and support cylinder 34) is rotatable between a stop position and a maximum rotation position that is rotationally displaced rightward from the stop position. Has become. In the handle unit 16 of the embodiment, the maximum rotation position is the position obtained by rotating the rotation operation member 36 about 120 degrees to the right from the stop position, and the rotation angle (rotation amount) of the rotation operation member 36 from the stop position. The striking force (firing strength) of the striking rod in the striking device 18 is increased in proportion to. However, the rotation angle of the rotation operation member 36 from the stop position to the maximum rotation position is not limited to 120 degrees.

実施例のパチンコ機１０では、パチンコ遊技が行われない前記回転操作部材３６の停止位置では、該回転操作部材３６に設けた当接片により前記ＯＮ・ＯＦＦスイッチ４１の押しボタンが押されて、前記打球発射装置１８の駆動手段を停止する(ＯＦＦ状態とする)よう構成されている。また、パチンコ遊技を行うために回転操作部材３６を右方向へ回転させると、当接片による押しボタンの押付けが解除されて、打球発射装置１８の駆動手段が作動する(ＯＮ状態となる)。 In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, at the stop position of the rotary operation member 36 in which the pachinko game is not performed, the push button of the ON/OFF switch 41 is pressed by the contact piece provided on the rotary operation member 36, It is configured to stop the driving means of the hitting ball launching device 18 (to turn it off). Further, when the rotation operation member 36 is rotated to the right in order to play a pachinko game, the pressing of the push button by the contact piece is released, and the driving means of the hitting ball launching device 18 is operated (ON state).

(定荷重バネ４３について)
図２に示す如く、前記支持筒体３４に設けた前記支持部(本体部の内部)３７に、前記回転操作部材３６を最大回転位置から停止位置側に向けて回転させるように付勢する定荷重バネ(付勢手段)４３が配設されている。前記定荷重バネ４３は、バネ鋼等の長尺帯状のバネ部材を渦巻き状に巻回したものであって、該定荷重バネ(バネ部材)４３の巻回中心側の一端部が、前記支持部３７に配設した巻芯３８に係止されると共に、該定荷重バネ(バネ部材)４３の巻回外周側の他端部が回転操作部材３６に係止されている。定荷重バネ４３は、巻芯３８に渦巻き状に巻回したゼンマイ部が、回転操作部材３６の回転に伴って延びることで、該回転操作部材３６に対して停止位置側に向けた復帰付勢力を付与するよう構成されている。また、定荷重バネ４３は、回転操作部材３６を停止位置から最大回転位置まで回転する際の荷重(停止位置側に向けた復帰付勢力)が、該回転操作部材３６の回転量が後述する閾値Ｈを越えた以降は略一定となるよう構成されたものであって、該回転操作部材３６の回転量の大・小によって遊技者が受ける負荷が変化しないよう構成される。なお、定荷重バネ４３により回転操作部材３６に付与される略一定の復帰付勢力(最大荷重)は、ハンドルユニット１６に従来から使用されているコイルバネ等の復帰付勢力が回転量に応じて変化するバネにおいて、回転操作部材３６を最大回転位置まで回転した際に該回転操作部材３６に付与される復帰付勢力より低く設定される。例えば、パチンコ球を前記遊技領域２０ａに打ち込み得る最小限の発射強度となる回転位置まで回転操作部材３６を回転した状態における、従来のコイルバネが回転操作部材３６に付与する復帰付勢力と、定荷重バネ３６の最大荷重とが略同等に設定される。 (About constant force spring 43)
As shown in FIG. 2, a constant force is applied to the support portion (inside the main body portion) 37 provided on the support cylinder 34 so as to rotate the rotation operation member 36 from the maximum rotation position toward the stop position. A load spring (biasing means) 43 is provided. The constant load spring 43 is formed by spirally winding a long strip-shaped spring member such as spring steel, and one end portion of the constant load spring (spring member) 43 on the winding center side is the support. The other end of the constant load spring (spring member) 43 on the winding outer circumference side is locked to the rotary operation member 36 while being locked to the winding core 38 arranged in the portion 37. In the constant load spring 43, the spiral spring wound around the winding core 38 extends along with the rotation of the rotation operating member 36, so that the return urging force toward the stop position side with respect to the rotation operating member 36. Is configured to give. In addition, the constant load spring 43 has a load (rotation biasing force toward the stop position side) when the rotation operation member 36 is rotated from the stop position to the maximum rotation position, and a rotation amount of the rotation operation member 36 is a threshold value described later. After H is exceeded, it is configured to be substantially constant, and the load applied to the player does not change depending on the amount of rotation of the rotary operation member 36. The substantially constant return biasing force (maximum load) applied to the rotary operation member 36 by the constant load spring 43 is the return biasing force of the coil spring or the like conventionally used for the handle unit 16 depending on the rotation amount. The spring is set to be lower than the return biasing force applied to the rotary operation member 36 when the rotary operation member 36 is rotated to the maximum rotation position. For example, in the state in which the rotary operation member 36 is rotated to a rotational position where the pachinko ball can be driven into the game area 20a, the return biasing force applied to the rotary operation member 36 by a conventional coil spring and a constant load. The maximum load of the spring 36 is set to be substantially equal.

前記定荷重バネ４３は、一端部が巻芯３８に係止されたユニットとして構成されており、該巻芯３８に前記支持筒体３４の支持部３７を挿通することで、該巻芯３８が支持部３７に対して回転不能に取り付けられるよう構成される。なお、実施例では、支持部３７に回転不能に配設した巻芯３８に定荷重バネ(バネ部材)４３の一端部を係止するようにしたが、該一端部を支持部(本体部)３７に直接係止するようにしてもよい。すなわち、定荷重バネ４３は、一端部が支持部３７や巻芯３８等の回転しない固定部分(本体部)に係止されると共に、他端部が固定部分(本体部)に対して回転する付勢対象となる回転操作部材３６に係止されていればよい。例えば、支持筒体３４に設けた支持部３７を巻芯として、該支持部３７に定荷重バネ４３(バネ部材)を直接巻回する構成であってもよい。 The constant load spring 43 is configured as a unit whose one end is locked to the winding core 38, and by inserting the support portion 37 of the support cylinder 34 into the winding core 38, the winding core 38 is It is configured to be non-rotatably attached to the support portion 37. In the embodiment, one end portion of the constant load spring (spring member) 43 is locked to the winding core 38 which is non-rotatably arranged on the support portion 37, but the one end portion is supported by the support portion (main body portion). It may be directly locked to 37. That is, one end of the constant load spring 43 is locked to a non-rotating fixed portion (main body) such as the support portion 37 and the winding core 38, and the other end rotates relative to the fixed portion (main body). It suffices that the rotation operation member 36 to be biased is locked. For example, a configuration may be used in which the constant load spring 43 (spring member) is directly wound around the support portion 37 provided on the support cylindrical body 34 as a winding core.

ここで、前記定荷重バネ４３は、前記回転操作部材３６の停止位置において該回転操作部材３６を左方向(最大回転位置側とは反対側)へ回転させるように弾力的に付勢しており、回転操作部材３６が停止位置に弾力的に保持される。実施例の、定荷重バネ４３は、回転操作部材３６の停止位置において、該回転操作部材３６を左方向(最大回転位置側とは反対側)へ付勢する付勢力を下限付勢力として設定される。そして、回転操作部材３６を停止位置から最大回転位置側へ回転させると、定荷重バネ４３の回転量が閾値Ｈに達するまでは該回転操作部材３６に付与する復帰付勢力が増加し、該閾値Ｈを越えて回転された前記回転操作部材６４には、前記停止位置に向けた略一定の復帰付勢力が付与されるよう構成される。すなわち、停止位置から最大回転位置側へ回転される回転操作部材３６の回転量が閾値Ｈを越えた以降は、復帰付勢力が略一定となって、遊技者が回転操作部材３６を好みの位置に維持するために必要となる力が変化しないようになっている。 Here, the constant load spring 43 elastically urges the rotation operating member 36 to rotate to the left (the side opposite to the maximum rotation position side) at the stop position of the rotation operating member 36. The rotation operation member 36 is elastically held at the stop position. In the embodiment, the constant force spring 43 is set with a biasing force for biasing the rotation operating member 36 leftward (on the side opposite to the maximum rotation position side) as a lower limit biasing force at the stop position of the rotation operating member 36. It When the rotation operation member 36 is rotated from the stop position to the maximum rotation position side, the return biasing force applied to the rotation operation member 36 increases until the rotation amount of the constant load spring 43 reaches the threshold value H, and the threshold value is increased. The rotation operation member 64 rotated beyond H is configured to be applied with a substantially constant return biasing force toward the stop position. That is, after the rotation amount of the rotation operating member 36 rotated from the stop position to the maximum rotation position exceeds the threshold value H, the return urging force becomes substantially constant, and the player operates the rotation operating member 36 at a desired position. The force needed to maintain the same is unchanged.

ここで、前記停止位置から最大回転位置側へ回転される前記回転操作部材３６の回転量が前記閾値Ｈに達するまでは、該回転操作部材３６に付与される定荷重バネ４３の復帰付勢力が増加するのに対し、該回転操作部材３６の回転量が閾値Ｈを越えることで復帰付勢力は変化しなくなる。そして、実施例のパチンコ機１０では、前記回転操作部材３６の回転量に対応して変化する前記打球発射装置１８によるパチンコ球の発射強度は、該回転操作部材３６の回転量が閾値Ｈ以上で、パチンコ球が前記発射口２９から遊技領域２０ａに到達可能に設定されている。すなわち、実施例のパチンコ機１０では、パチンコ球の発射強度が、パチンコ球を前記遊技領域２０ａに打ち込み得る発射強度となるまでは、前記回転操作部材３６に付与される復帰付勢力が変化(増加)するのに対し、パチンコ球を遊技領域２０ａに打ち込んで正常な遊技が行い得るようになる発射強度以上になった後は、該回転操作部材３６に付与される復帰付勢力が変化しない(略一定となる)よう構成される。そして、停止位置から回転操作部材３６の回転を開始した遊技者に、復帰付勢力が変化しなくなることで、回転操作部材３６の回転量が閾値Ｈを越えたこと(すなわちパチンコ球が遊技領域２０ａに打ち込まれる状態となったこと)を認識させ得るようになっている。 Here, until the rotation amount of the rotation operation member 36 rotated from the stop position to the maximum rotation position reaches the threshold value H, the return urging force of the constant load spring 43 applied to the rotation operation member 36 is increased. On the other hand, when the rotation amount of the rotation operation member 36 exceeds the threshold value H, the return biasing force does not change. In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, the launch intensity of the pachinko ball by the hitting ball launching device 18 that changes corresponding to the rotation amount of the rotation operation member 36 is that the rotation amount of the rotation operation member 36 is equal to or more than the threshold value H. The pachinko ball is set to be able to reach the game area 20a from the launch port 29. That is, in the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, the return urging force applied to the rotary operation member 36 changes (increases) until the firing intensity of the pachinko ball reaches a firing intensity at which the pachinko ball can be driven into the game area 20a. On the other hand, after the pachinko ball is driven into the game area 20a and becomes equal to or higher than the firing strength at which a normal game can be performed, the return urging force applied to the rotary operation member 36 does not change (substantially). Constant). Then, since the return urging force does not change for the player who has started the rotation of the rotation operation member 36 from the stop position, the rotation amount of the rotation operation member 36 exceeds the threshold value H (that is, the pachinko ball is in the game area 20a. It has become possible to recognize the fact that it has been driven into.

(制動手段４４について)
前記ハンドルユニット１６には、前記回転操作部材３６に対して回転を規制する制動力を付与可能な制動手段４４が配設されている。実施例の制動手段４４は、回転操作部材３６に配設された前記回転軸３９が収容された空間Ｓに充填され、磁場(磁界)の印加により粘度が可逆的に変化する機能性材料４５と、該機能性材料４５に磁場を印加する印加手段４６とを備える。そして、印加手段４６によって前記機能性材料４５に磁場を印加して該機能性材料の粘度を高めることで、前記回転操作部材３６(回転軸３９)に制動力を付与するよう構成される。具体的に、図２に示す如く、前記支持筒体(本体部)３４の内部に、空間Ｓを内部画成したケース体４７が配設され、該空間Ｓに機能性材料４５が充填されると共に、該ケース体４７に、前記回転軸３９が挿通されている。回転軸３９には、ケース体４７の空間Ｓに臨む位置に、径方向に延出する円盤状の制動板(制動力増加手段)４８が一体に回転するように配設されている。実施例の機能性材料４５は、ベース液(オイル等)と、該ベース液中に分散状態で存在する強磁性微粒子(カルボニル鉄等)とを有するＭＲ流体(Magneto Rheological Fluid)が用いられている。また、前記印加手段４６は、通電制御によって、機能性材料４５に磁場(磁界)を印加する状態と、磁場(磁界)を印加しない状態とに切り替えられるようになっている。印加手段４６としては、例えば、電磁コイルに電流を通電することで磁場を発生させる電磁石等を採用可能であるが、その他の公知の手段を用いることができる。 (About braking means 44)
The handle unit 16 is provided with a braking means 44 capable of applying a braking force that restricts rotation to the rotation operation member 36. The braking means 44 of the embodiment is filled with a space S in which the rotary shaft 39 arranged in the rotary operation member 36 is housed, and a functional material 45 whose viscosity is reversibly changed by application of a magnetic field (magnetic field). And an applying means 46 for applying a magnetic field to the functional material 45. Then, a magnetic field is applied to the functional material 45 by the application means 46 to increase the viscosity of the functional material, thereby applying a braking force to the rotary operation member 36 (rotation shaft 39). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a case body 47 that internally defines a space S is disposed inside the support cylinder (main body) 34, and the space S is filled with the functional material 45. At the same time, the rotating shaft 39 is inserted into the case body 47. A disc-shaped braking plate (braking force increasing means) 48 extending in the radial direction is arranged on the rotating shaft 39 at a position facing the space S of the case body 47 so as to rotate integrally therewith. As the functional material 45 of the embodiment, an MR fluid (Magneto Rheological Fluid) having a base liquid (oil or the like) and ferromagnetic fine particles (carbonyl iron or the like) existing in a dispersed state in the base liquid is used. .. Further, the applying means 46 can be switched between a state in which a magnetic field (magnetic field) is applied to the functional material 45 and a state in which no magnetic field (magnetic field) is applied by controlling energization. As the applying means 46, for example, an electromagnet or the like that generates a magnetic field by passing a current through an electromagnetic coil can be adopted, but other known means can be used.

ここで、前記機能性材料４５は、印加される磁場の強さによって制動力(粘度)が変化するものであって、実施例の印加手段４６で印加される磁場の強さは、前記定荷重バネ４３によって前記回転操作部材３６に付与される略一定の復帰付勢力(最大荷重)に抗して、該回転操作部材３６を定位置に保持可能な制動力を該回転操作部材３６に付与し得る値に設定される。そして、機能性材料４５への磁場の印加を解徐することで、回転操作部材３６に対する制動力が解除されると、該回転操作部材３６は、前記定荷重バネ４３の復帰付勢力によって停止位置に戻り得るようになっている。 Here, the functional material 45 is such that the braking force (viscosity) changes depending on the strength of the applied magnetic field, and the strength of the magnetic field applied by the applying means 46 of the embodiment is the constant load. A braking force capable of holding the rotation operation member 36 in a fixed position is applied to the rotation operation member 36 against a substantially constant return biasing force (maximum load) applied to the rotation operation member 36 by the spring 43. Set to the value to get. Then, when the braking force on the rotation operating member 36 is released by releasing the application of the magnetic field to the functional material 45, the rotation operating member 36 is stopped at the stop position by the restoring biasing force of the constant force spring 43. To be able to return to.

前記ハンドルユニット１６は、前記印加手段４６を、前記機能性材料４５に磁場を印加する状態と、該機能性材料４５に磁場を印加しない状態とに切り替える切替え手段４９を備える。この切替え手段４９は、ハンドルユニット１６の前記回転操作部材３６を回転操作可能な状態で把持した遊技者が、該把持している手指で操作可能な位置に設けられている。なお、切替え手段４９としては、タッチセンサや押しボタン型スイッチ等を用いることができ、遊技者の操作によって操作状態(磁場の印加状態)と非操作状態(磁場の非印加状態)とに切り替え得るよう構成される。また、切替え手段４９は、常には非操作状態(磁場の非印加状態)に保持されて、遊技者の接触や押圧によって操作状態になると共に、遊技者の接触や押圧の解除によって自動的に非操作状態になるよう構成される。 The handle unit 16 includes a switching unit 49 that switches the applying unit 46 between a state in which a magnetic field is applied to the functional material 45 and a state in which a magnetic field is not applied to the functional material 45. The switching means 49 is provided at a position where a player who holds the rotary operation member 36 of the handle unit 16 in a rotatable state can operate it with his/her fingers. As the switching means 49, a touch sensor, a push button type switch, or the like can be used, and can be switched between an operating state (magnetic field applied state) and a non-operating state (magnetic field non-applied state) by a player's operation. Is configured as follows. Further, the switching means 49 is always held in a non-operating state (a state in which no magnetic field is applied) and is brought into an operating state by the contact or pressing of the player, and is automatically turned off by releasing the contact or pressing of the player. It is configured to be in an operating state.

〔実施例の作用〕
次に、前述のように構成された実施例に係るパチンコ機１０の作用につき説明する。 [Operation of Example]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment configured as described above will be described.

実施例のパチンコ機１０では、前記ハンドルユニット１６における回転操作部材３６を停止位置に戻すための復帰付勢力を付与するバネとして、定荷重バネ４３を用いているので、パチンコ球を前記遊技領域２０ａに打ち込んで正常な遊技を行い得る状態において、該回転操作部材３６に付与される復帰付勢力は、該回転操作部材３６の回転量に拘わらず略一定となる。これにより、回転操作部材３６を大きく回転した状態、例えば「右打ち」を長時間に亘って維持する遊技を行う場合であっても、遊技者の負担を低減することができる。また、定荷重バネ４３は、前記支持筒体３４の内部中心に設けているので、該定荷重バネ４３の復帰付勢力が、回転操作部材３６に対して偏倚して加わることはなく、適正に復帰付勢力を回転操作部材３６に付与することができる。 In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, since the constant force spring 43 is used as a spring that gives a return urging force for returning the rotary operation member 36 in the handle unit 16 to the stop position, the pachinko ball is moved to the game area 20a. In a state where the player can drive the game into a normal game, the return urging force applied to the rotary operation member 36 becomes substantially constant regardless of the rotation amount of the rotary operation member 36. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on the player even in the case of playing a game in which the rotation operation member 36 is largely rotated, for example, "right hitting" is maintained for a long time. Further, since the constant load spring 43 is provided at the center of the inside of the support cylindrical body 34, the return biasing force of the constant load spring 43 does not deviate from the rotation operating member 36 and is properly applied. The return urging force can be applied to the rotation operation member 36.

また、実施例のパチンコ機１０では、停止位置から最大回転位置に向けて回転する前記回転操作部材３６の回転量が閾値Ｈに達するまでは、該回転操作部材３６に付与される復帰付勢力が増加するのに対し、該閾値Ｈを越えると回転操作部材３６に付与される復帰付勢力が変化しなくなるよう設定されている。また、前記打球発射装置１８によるパチンコ球の発射強度を、回転操作部材３６の回転量が閾値Ｈに達することでパチンコ球が遊技領域２０ａに到達する強度に設定している。これにより、回転操作部材３６を回転操作している遊技者に、操作している手指に加わる負荷(復帰付勢力)の変化によって、遊技領域２０ａに到達する発射強度でパチンコ球が発射されることを感覚的に認識させることができ、発射強度が不足してパチンコ球がファール球となるのを防ぐことができる。 Further, in the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, until the rotation amount of the rotation operation member 36 rotating from the stop position toward the maximum rotation position reaches the threshold value H, the return biasing force applied to the rotation operation member 36 is applied. On the other hand, when the threshold value H is exceeded, the return biasing force applied to the rotary operation member 36 is set so as not to change. Further, the launch intensity of the pachinko ball by the hitting ball launching device 18 is set to the intensity at which the pachinko ball reaches the game area 20a when the rotation amount of the rotation operation member 36 reaches the threshold value H. As a result, a pachinko ball is fired with a firing strength that reaches the game area 20a due to a change in the load (returning biasing force) applied to the fingers that are being operated by the player who is rotating the rotation operation member 36. It is possible to prevent the pachinko ball from becoming a foul ball due to insufficient firing intensity.

実施例のパチンコ機１０では、前記ハンドルユニット１６における回転操作部材３６に対して前記制動手段４４によって制動力を付与し得るよう構成したので、遊技者が回転した回転操作部材３６を前記定荷重バネ４３の復帰付勢力に抗して保持するのに必要な力を大幅に低減することができる。従って、回転操作部材３６を大きく回転した状態、例えば「右打ち」を長時間に亘って維持する遊技を行う場合であっても、遊技者の負担を低減することができる。また、制動手段４４として、磁場の印加の有無によって粘度を変化させる機能性材料４５を用いているので、回転操作部材３６に対して制動力を付与したり、制動力を解除したりする切り替えが簡単である。また、回転操作部材３６の前記回転軸３９や制動板４８と、機能性材料４５との摩擦による摩耗は少なく、耐久性が高く、部品寿命を延ばすことができる。また、機能性材料４５の粘度を変化させて制動力を付与するので、機械的可動部は少なく、故障や動作不良等のトラブルの発生を抑えることができる。更に、実施例では回転軸３９に径方向に延出する制動板４８を設け、機能性材料４５との接触面積を大きくしているので、効率的に制動力を付与できる。 In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, since the braking force can be applied to the rotation operation member 36 of the handle unit 16 by the braking means 44, the rotation operation member 36 rotated by the player is moved to the constant load spring. The force required to hold against the return biasing force of 43 can be greatly reduced. Therefore, even in the case of playing a game in which the rotation operation member 36 is largely rotated, for example, "right hitting" is maintained for a long time, the player's burden can be reduced. Moreover, since the functional material 45 that changes the viscosity depending on the presence or absence of the application of the magnetic field is used as the braking means 44, it is possible to switch the rotation operation member 36 between applying and releasing the braking force. It's easy. Further, wear due to friction between the rotary shaft 39 of the rotary operation member 36 and the braking plate 48 and the functional material 45 is small, durability is high, and the life of parts can be extended. Moreover, since the braking force is applied by changing the viscosity of the functional material 45, the number of mechanically movable parts is small, and the occurrence of troubles such as failures and malfunctions can be suppressed. Further, in the embodiment, since the braking plate 48 extending in the radial direction is provided on the rotating shaft 39 to increase the contact area with the functional material 45, the braking force can be efficiently applied.

実施例のパチンコ機１０では、前記機能性材料４５に磁場を印加する状態と印加しない状態とに切り替える切替え手段４９を、遊技者が操作可能にハンドルユニット１６に設けているので、遊技者が任意の位置で前記回転操作部材３６に対して制動力を付与することが簡単にできる。また、制動力の解除も簡単にできるので、遊技者が回転操作部材３６の回転位置を変更したい場合にも簡単に対応し得る。 In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, since the switching unit 49 for switching between the state in which the magnetic field is applied to the functional material 45 and the state in which the magnetic field is not applied is provided in the handle unit 16 so that the player can operate, the player can arbitrarily operate. It is possible to easily apply the braking force to the rotary operation member 36 at the position. Further, since the braking force can be easily released, it is possible to easily deal with the case where the player wants to change the rotational position of the rotary operation member 36.

実施例のパチンコ機１０では、停止位置から最大回転位置に向けて回転した前記回転操作部材３６に、停止位置側に向けた復帰付勢力を付与するバネとして、パチンコ球が遊技領域２０ａに打ち込まれる最小限の発射強度となる回転位置から最大回転位置までの間で復帰付勢力が変化しない定荷重バネ４３を用いているので、機能性材料４５を用いた制動手段４４による制動力を可変調節することなく、一定の制動力によって回転操作部材３６を任意の位置に保持することができる。すなわち、機能性材料４５を用いた制動手段４４と、定荷重バネ４３との組み合わせによって、回転操作部材３６を操作する遊技者の負担を効果的に軽減することができる。 In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, a pachinko ball is driven into the game area 20a as a spring that applies a return urging force toward the stop position side to the rotation operation member 36 that has rotated from the stop position toward the maximum rotation position. Since the constant load spring 43 whose return urging force does not change between the rotational position with the minimum firing strength and the maximum rotational position is used, the braking force by the braking means 44 using the functional material 45 is variably adjusted. The rotary operation member 36 can be held at an arbitrary position by a constant braking force. That is, the combination of the braking means 44 using the functional material 45 and the constant force spring 43 can effectively reduce the burden on the player who operates the rotation operation member 36.

（別実施例について)
図４を参照して、制動手段の別実施例について説明する。なお、別実施例において前記実施例と同一部材および同一機能を有する部材等には同じ符号を付して詳細説明は省略する。 (About another example)
Another embodiment of the braking means will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in another embodiment, the same members and members having the same functions as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

別実施例の制動手段５０は、前記回転操作部材３６の回転軸３９に一体に回転する回転部としての制動板(ブレーキシュー)４８と、該制動板４８に近接・離間可能な制動部材としてのブレーキパッド５１,５１と、該ブレーキパッド５１,５１を制動板４８に対して近接・離間移動する作動手段５２とを備える。別実施例では、前記支持筒体３４の内部に、前記制動板４８を挟む軸方向の両側にブレーキパッド５１,５１が配設されており、両ブレーキパッド５１,５１で制動板４８を挟持することで、回転操作部材３６に制動力を付与するよう構成される。前記作動手段５２は、通電制御によってＯＮ・ＯＦＦ制御されるソレノイド等であって、ＯＮ制御によってブレーキパッド５１,５１を制動板４８に押圧し、ＯＦＦ制御によってブレーキパッド５１,５１を制動板４８から離間するよう作動する。また、別実施例においても、実施例と同様に、前記作動手段５２を、制動板４８にブレーキパッド５１,５１を押圧する状態(ＯＮ制御状態)と、該制動板４８からブレーキパッド５１,５１を離間する状態(ＯＦＦ制御状態)とに切り替える切替え手段５３を、遊技者が操作可能にハンドルユニット１６に備えている。 The braking means 50 of another embodiment is a braking plate (brake shoe) 48 as a rotating part that rotates integrally with the rotation shaft 39 of the rotation operating member 36, and a braking member that can approach and separate from the braking plate 48. The brake pads 51, 51 and the actuating means 52 for moving the brake pads 51, 51 toward and away from the braking plate 48 are provided. In another embodiment, brake pads 51, 51 are arranged inside the support cylinder 34 on both sides of the braking plate 48 in the axial direction so that the braking plate 48 is clamped by both brake pads 51, 51. Thus, a braking force is applied to the rotation operation member 36. The actuating means 52 is a solenoid or the like that is ON/OFF controlled by energization control, presses the brake pads 51, 51 against the braking plate 48 by ON control, and moves the brake pads 51, 51 from the braking plate 48 by OFF control. Operates to separate. Also, in another embodiment, similarly to the embodiment, the operating means 52 is in a state in which the brake pads 51, 51 are pressed against the brake plate 48 (ON control state) and when the brake pads 48 are in contact with the brake plate 48. The handle unit 16 is provided with a switching means 53 for switching the state to the separated state (OFF control state) so that the player can operate it.

別実施例の制動手段５０を用いる場合においても、実施例と同様に、前記回転操作部材３６を大きく回転した状態、例えば「右打ち」を長時間に亘って維持する遊技を行う場合であっても、遊技者の負担を低減することができると共に、ハンドルユニット１６に設けた切替え手段５３を操作して任意の位置で回転操作部材３６を保持するように制動力を付与し得る。また、別実施例では、制動板４８にブレーキパッド５１,５１を物理的に押圧するので、回転操作部材３６に確実に制動力を付与することができる。 Even when using the braking means 50 of another embodiment, as in the case of the embodiment, there is a case where a game in which the rotation operation member 36 is largely rotated, for example, "right hitting" is maintained for a long time. Also, the load on the player can be reduced, and the braking force can be applied so as to operate the switching means 53 provided on the handle unit 16 to hold the rotation operation member 36 at an arbitrary position. In another embodiment, since the brake pads 51, 51 are physically pressed against the brake plate 48, it is possible to reliably apply the braking force to the rotation operation member 36.

(変更例)
本願は前述した実施例の構成に限定されるものではなく、その他の構成を適宜に採用することができる。
(1) 実施例では、停止位置から回転を開始した回転操作部材の回転量が、閾値に達するまでは定荷重バネの復帰付勢力が増加するよう構成したが、停止位置の回転操作部材に付与する付勢力を、定荷重バネの最大荷重に設定して、停止位置と最大回転位置との間のどの位置でも常に略一定の復帰付勢力を回転操作部材に付与する構成を採用できる。
(2) 実施例では、制動手段の機能性材料として、磁場の印加の有無等によって粘度が変化する材料を用いるようにしたが、該機能性材料として、電場(電圧、電界)の印加の有無等によって粘度が変化する材料(例えば、ポリエチレングリコール、フェノール樹脂、イオン交換樹脂、セルロール等の微粒子を絶縁流体(シリコンオイル)中に分散させたＥＲ(エレクトロレオロジー)流体)を用いることができる。ＥＲ流体を機能性材料として用いる場合の電場の印加手段としては、例えば、ＥＲ流体が充填されたケース体に配置した一対の電極間に電圧を印加するもの等を採用し得るが、その他の公知の各種手段を用いることができる。
(3) 実施例では、制動手段によって回転操作部材に制動力を付与する状態と付与しない状態とに切り替えるよう構成したが、機能性材料に印加する磁場の強さを、定荷重バネや従来のコイルバネ等の復帰付勢力によって回転操作部材が停止位置に戻り得る制動力を付与する構成を採用し得る。すなわち、定荷重バネや従来のコイルバネ等の復帰付勢力を完全に相殺し得る制動力でなくても、遊技者の負担を低減することができる。
(4) 制動手段の機能性材料によって回転操作部材に付与する制動力は、定荷重バネが回転操作部材に付与する略一定の復帰付勢力に抗して該回転操作部材を定位置に保持することができると共に、該制動力を付与した状態で回転操作部材を遊技者が任意の位置に回転してパチンコ球の発射強度を調節し得る値とすることが望ましい。
(5) 実施例では、制動手段の機能性材料によって付与する制動力を、定荷重バネが回転操作部材に付与する略一定の復帰付勢力に抗して該回転操作部材を定位置に保持し得る制動力としたが、該略一定の復帰付勢力より弱い制動力であってもよく、この場合であっても遊技者の負担を低減することができる。 (Example of change)
The present application is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and other configurations can be appropriately adopted.
(1) In the embodiment, the rotation amount of the rotary operation member that started rotating from the stop position is configured such that the return biasing force of the constant force spring increases until the threshold value is reached. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the biasing force to be applied is set to the maximum load of the constant force spring and a substantially constant return biasing force is always applied to the rotary operation member at any position between the stop position and the maximum rotation position.
(2) In the embodiment, as the functional material of the braking means, the material whose viscosity changes depending on the presence or absence of the application of the magnetic field is used, but as the functional material, the presence or absence of the application of the electric field (voltage, electric field). It is possible to use a material (for example, ER (electrorheology) fluid in which fine particles such as polyethylene glycol, phenol resin, ion exchange resin, and cellulose are dispersed in an insulating fluid (silicon oil)) whose viscosity changes with the like. As the electric field applying means when the ER fluid is used as the functional material, for example, a means for applying a voltage between a pair of electrodes arranged in a case body filled with the ER fluid may be adopted, but other known methods are known. Various means of can be used.
(3) In the embodiment, it is configured to switch between the state in which the braking force is applied to the rotary operation member and the state in which the braking force is not applied by the braking means. A configuration may be adopted in which a braking force that allows the rotary operation member to return to the stop position is applied by a return biasing force such as a coil spring. That is, even if the braking force that can completely cancel the return biasing force of the constant load spring or the conventional coil spring is used, the burden on the player can be reduced.
(4) The braking force applied to the rotary operation member by the functional material of the braking means holds the rotary operation member at a fixed position against a substantially constant return biasing force applied to the rotary operation member by the constant load spring. It is desirable that the player can rotate the rotary operation member to an arbitrary position while adjusting the braking force and adjust the firing intensity of the pachinko ball.
(5) In the embodiment, the braking force applied by the functional material of the braking means is held in a fixed position against the substantially constant return biasing force applied to the rotation operating member by the constant load spring. Although the obtained braking force is used, the braking force may be weaker than the substantially constant return urging force, and even in this case, the burden on the player can be reduced.

(6) 実施例では、回転操作部材の回転軸に制動板を設けて機能性材料との接触面積を大きくするようにしたが、接触面積を大きくするための制動力増加手段としては、回転軸の軸方向や周方向に離間して複数の突起を設け構成であってもよい。また、制動板を軸方向に離間して複数設ける構成を採用し得る。
(7) 別実施例では、回転軸に設けた制動板に対してブレーキシュー(制動部材)を近接・離間移動するよう構成したが、制動板を省略し、回転軸(回転部)に対して制動部材を近接・離間移動するよう構成して、該回転軸に制動部材を押圧して制動力を付与する構成を採用し得る。
(8) 実施例では、付勢手段として定荷重バネを用いたが、該定荷重バネに代えて、停止位置から最大回転位置側に向けて回転される回転操作部材に対して、復帰付勢力が一定の割合で増加するコイルバネやその他のバネ、あるいゴム等の弾性部材を採用し得る。
(9) 遊技機としては、パチンコ機に限られるものではなく、アレンジボール機やスロットマシン等、遊技球の発射強度を調節するために可変可能なハンドルを備えた、その他各種の遊技機であってもよい。 (6) In the embodiment, the rotating shaft of the rotary operation member is provided with the braking plate to increase the contact area with the functional material.However, as the braking force increasing means for increasing the contact area, the rotating shaft is used. A plurality of protrusions may be provided separately from each other in the axial direction and the circumferential direction. Further, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of braking plates are provided so as to be separated in the axial direction.
(7) In another embodiment, the brake shoe (braking member) is configured to move closer to and away from the braking plate provided on the rotating shaft, but the braking plate is omitted and the rotating shaft (rotating portion) is removed. A configuration may be adopted in which the braking member is configured to move toward and away from each other, and the braking member is pressed against the rotary shaft to apply a braking force.
(8) In the embodiment, the constant load spring is used as the biasing means, but instead of the constant load spring, the restoring biasing force is applied to the rotary operation member rotated from the stop position toward the maximum rotation position. An elastic member such as a coil spring or other spring, or rubber, which increases at a constant rate can be used.
(9) The gaming machine is not limited to a pachinko machine, but may be an arrangement ball machine, a slot machine, or any other type of gaming machine that has a variable handle for adjusting the firing strength of a gaming ball. May be.

１６ハンドルユニット(ハンドル)
２０ａ遊技領域
３４支持筒体(本体部)
３５キャップ体(本体部)
３６回転操作部材(操作部)
３８巻芯
４３定荷重バネ
４４制動手段
Ｈ閾値 16 Handle unit (handle)
20a game area 34 support cylinder (main body)
35 Cap body (main body)
36 Rotation operation member (operation part)
38 winding core 43 constant force spring
44 Braking means H threshold

Claims

A handle having a main body and an operating portion rotatably supported by the main body and rotatable between a stop position and a maximum rotation position; In a gaming machine configured to change the launch intensity of the game ball toward the game area according to the amount of rotation aimed at,
A constant force spring disposed inside the main body, one end of which is locked to the main body, and the other end of which is locked to the operating portion,
The shooting intensity of the game ball according to the operation of the handle is set such that the rotation amount of the operation unit is equal to or more than a threshold value and the game ball can reach the game area.
From said stop position until the rotation amount of the operation part which rotates toward the maximum rotation position reaches the threshold value, the return biasing force is increased towards the stop position in which the constant force spring is applied to the operating unit, the said operating portion to rotate beyond the threshold value, the gaming machine wherein said <br/> the constant force spring is so that configured to impart the return biasing force substantially constant.

The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a braking unit that can apply a braking force to the operation unit that rotates toward the stop position in accordance with the return biasing force applied by the constant load spring .