JP7058863B2 - Operation unit for gaming machines and gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an operation unit for a gaming machine provided with an operation unit operated by a player, and a gaming machine provided with the operation unit for the gaming machine.

A gaming machine such as a rotating drum type gaming machine or a pachinko gaming machine is provided with various operation units (push buttons, levers, etc.) operated by the player. For example, on the front panel of a spinning machine (front door of the gaming machine housing), a bet button for betting a medal, which is a game medium, a start lever for starting rotation of a reel, and rotation of a reel There are operation units such as a stop button for stopping the game and a refund button for refunding the credited medal (game medium). Some gaming machines are equipped with a chance button for switching the effect to be executed during the game.

However, the operation unit in the conventional gaming machine is provided mainly for the purpose of accepting the operation of the player, and it is not so important to perform some effect by the behavior of the operation unit. I didn't. For this reason, in the operation unit of a conventional gaming machine, only the light emitting body built in the operation unit is made to emit light and the front surface thereof is made to emit light, and the effect produced by the operation unit is very limited. It was a target. In view of such circumstances, in recent years, a gaming machine has been proposed in which a driving force is applied to an operating unit being operated by a player to accelerate the operating unit.

For example, in Patent Document 1, an operation means (operation unit) that is pressed by a player and a first determination unit that determines whether or not the operation unit has reached the first position from the initial position by the pressing operation. A gaming machine provided with an effect executing means for executing a predetermined effect when it is determined by the first determination means that the operation unit has reached the first position, and the operation unit is displaced in the pressing direction. A second determination means for determining whether or not a second position between the first position and the initial position has been reached in the process, a driving means for displacing the operation unit in the same direction as the pressing direction by the pressing operation, and a second A method including a drive control means for controlling the drive means so as to displace the operation unit in the pressing direction when it is determined by the determination means that the operation unit has reached the second position has been proposed (the same document). 1, Paragraphs 0842 to 0859 and FIGS. 52 to 54). It is also described in Patent Document 1 that the degree of attention to the game can be increased by adopting the above configuration (see paragraphs 0008 and 0859 of the same document). Further, Patent Document 1 also describes the use of a solenoid as a driving means for displacing the operation unit (see paragraph 0842 of the same document).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-239613

However, the gaming machine of Patent Document 1 has a structure in which the operating unit does not operate even if the excitation state of the solenoid is switched when the operating unit is pushed to the limit (operation limit position) by the player. .. For this reason, in the gaming machine of Cited Document 1, when the operating unit is pushed to the limit by the player, it is not possible to perform an effect by the operation (vibration or the like) of the operating unit.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and even when the operation unit is in the operation limit position, the operation unit can be operated (vibration, etc.), and an excellent effect can be obtained. It provides an operation unit for a gaming machine that can be used. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine provided with the operating unit for the gaming machine.

The above issues are
An operation unit that is displaced from the initial position to the positive side in the operation direction by being operated by the player,
The first operation unit, which has been displaced from the initial position to the positive side in the operation direction due to the operation of the player, outputs a detection signal based on the fact that the operation unit has reached the first position where a predetermined effect is started in the gaming machine. Position detection means and
A second position that outputs a detection signal based on the fact that the operation unit, which has been displaced from the initial position to the positive side in the operation direction due to the operation of the player, has reached the second position between the initial position and the first position. Detection means and
It has a working component and a driving device for driving the working component, and by changing the force acting on the working component from the driving device, the operating unit is displaced in the operating direction, or the operating unit of the operating unit is displaced. The operation unit drive means that changes the operation resistance,
When the detection signal is output from the second position detecting means, the driving device controlling means for changing the force acting on the operating component from the driving device, and the driving device controlling means.
It is an operation unit for pachinko machines equipped with
The operating portion has a first contact portion capable of contacting the operating component from the positive side in the operating direction and a second contact portion capable of contacting the operating component from the negative side in the operating direction. death,
Even after the operation unit reaches an operation limit position where it cannot be further displaced to the positive side in the operation direction, the drive device moves the operating component independently of the operation unit, and the operating component is moved to the second operation unit. By moving between the position where the contact portion abuts and the position where the operation portion abuts on the second contact portion, the operation is performed without directly acting the driving force of the drive device on the operation unit. This is solved by providing an operation unit for a gaming machine, which is characterized in that a vibration can be generated in a portion.

As in this configuration, even after the operating unit operated by the player on the positive side in the operating direction reaches the operating limit position, the driving device causes the operating component to move independently of the operating unit. The operation unit is operated by allowing the operating component to be moved between the position of contact with the first contact portion of the operation unit and the position of contact with the second contact portion of the operation unit. Even when the operation unit is in the limit position, the operation unit can be operated (vibration or the like) without directly acting the driving force of the drive device on the operation unit. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide an operation unit for a gaming machine capable of producing an excellent effect.

In addition, the drive source of the vibration generated in the operation unit when the operation unit is in the operation limit position (hereinafter, may be referred to as "limit position vibration") is the drive device (the operation unit is the first. Since the drive device in the operation unit drive means that displaces the operation unit in the operation direction or changes the operation resistance of the operation unit when the two positions are reached is used, the limit position vibration There is no need to separately provide a drive source (vibrator, etc.). For this reason, not only is it possible to realize an operation unit for gaming machines with excellent effect at low cost, but also the restrictions on the internal space of the operation unit for gaming machines are reduced, and the internal space can be effectively used for other functions. Will also be possible.

In the operation unit for a gaming machine of the present invention, it is also preferable to set the operating component to be in the middle of the stroke width when the operation unit reaches the operation limit position.

With such a configuration, it is possible to make it easier to move the operating component between the position where the operating component abuts on the first abutting portion and the position where the operating component abuts on the second abutting portion of the operating portion. become.

In the operation unit for a gaming machine of the present invention, at least in the section from the second position to the operation limit position of the operation unit, the first contact portion of the operation unit abuts on the operating component to operate the operation unit. The component can be made to move integrally with the operation unit to the positive side in the operation direction. At this time, it is preferable that the operation resistance of the operation unit can be increased by the operation unit driving means when the operation unit is moved from the initial position to the second position by the operation of the player. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to perform more various effects with the operation unit for the gaming machine.

In the operation unit for a gaming machine of the present invention, the operation limit position can be set to a position corresponding to the first position or to be on the positive side in the operation direction from the first position.

However, when the operation limit position is set to the position corresponding to the first position, high accuracy is required for the positioning of the first position detecting means, so that the operation limit position is more positive in the operation direction than the first position. It is preferable to use the side. This not only eliminates the need for high accuracy in the positioning of the first position detection means, but also prevents the first position detection means from turning on and off silently when limit position vibration is being performed. , It is also possible to prevent malfunction of the gaming machine.

In the operation unit for a gaming machine of the present invention,
The drive device can also function as a first position detecting means and / or a second position detecting means as a motor capable of outputting the current displacement amount.
A gear is provided on the output shaft of the motor.
It is also preferable that the working component is provided with a rack portion that meshes with the gear.

With such a configuration, it becomes possible to realize the operation unit driving means with a simple structure by a rack and pinion mechanism. However, depending on the diameter of the gear, the number of teeth, and the like, it is possible to secure a long stroke amount of the operating component. Therefore, the operation unit can be displaced more greatly, and the operation unit can perform an effect that is easy for the player to recognize. Further, by making the motor capable of outputting the current displacement amount, it becomes possible to make the motor function as a first position detecting means and a second position detecting means. Therefore, it is not only necessary to separately provide the first position detecting means and the second position detecting means, but it is also possible to perform various effects such as changing the location of the second position according to the game state or the like. Become.

In the operation unit for a gaming machine of the present invention,
The drive device is a solenoid.
It is also preferable that the working component moves with respect to the solenoid due to a change in the magnetic field generated by the solenoid.

With such a configuration, it becomes possible to realize the operation unit driving means with a simple structure using a solenoid. In addition, if the working component incorporates a link mechanism, it is possible to secure a long stroke amount of the working component as in the case of the rack and pinion mechanism. Therefore, the operation unit can be displaced more greatly, and the operation unit can perform an effect that is easy for the player to recognize. In addition, it is possible to perform various effects with different second positions, such as changing the location of the second position according to the game state or the like.

It is the figure which looked at the rotating body type gaming machine from the front. It is the figure which looked at the rotating body type gaming machine which opened the front door from the front diagonally upper right. It is a block diagram of a revolving gaming machine. It is a perspective view which showed the operation unit for a gaming machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the driving principle of the operation part drive means in the operation unit for a gaming machine of 1st Embodiment. A cross-sectional view of the operating unit for a gaming machine of the first embodiment when the operating unit is operated by a player, cut along _a plane parallel to the center line L1, when the operating unit is in the initial position. It is a figure shown. It is a cross-sectional view of the operation unit for a gaming machine of the first embodiment when the operation unit is operated by a player, cut in _a plane parallel to the center line L1, and the initial position detecting means is turned off. It is a figure which showed the time. It is a cross-sectional view of the operation unit for a gaming machine of the first embodiment when the operation unit is operated by a player, cut in a plane parallel to the center line L1, and the _first position detecting means is turned on. It is a figure which showed the time (when the operation part became the first position). It is a cross-sectional view which cut the operation unit for a gaming machine of _1st Embodiment when the operation part is operated by a player in the plane parallel to the center line L1, and the operation part has reached the operation limit position. It is a figure which showed the time. It is a cross-sectional view which cut the operation unit for a gaming machine of _1st Embodiment when the operation part is operated by a player in the plane parallel to the center line L1, and the operation part has reached the operation limit position. It is a figure which showed the state which the moving part is moved later. It is a figure which showed an example (rifle shooting effect) of the effect which can be performed using the operation unit for a gaming machine of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which showed the other example (bone cutting effect) of the effect which can be performed using the operation unit for a gaming machine of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which cut the operation unit for a gaming machine of _2nd Embodiment by the plane parallel to the center line L1.

A preferred embodiment of the gaming machine adopting the configuration according to the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. In the following, for convenience of explanation, a rotating cylinder type gaming machine will be described as an example, but the configuration according to the present invention can also be adopted in other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and arcade gaming machines.

Further, in each of the figures described later, the x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis are shown except for FIG. The orientations of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are aligned with each other even if they are different figures (the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis in FIGS. 4 to 18 have the front door 10b of FIG. 2 as the main body of the housing. It is shown based on the closed state with respect to 10a). In the following, unless otherwise specified, the positive side in the x-axis direction is the "right" side, the negative side in the x-axis direction is the "left" side, the positive side in the y-axis direction is the "rear" side, and the negative side in the y-axis direction is "". The "front" side, the positive side in the z-axis direction is called the "upper" side, and the negative side in the x-axis direction is called the "lower" side. However, the terms "right" side, "left" side, "rear" side, "front" side, "upper" side, and "lower" side are only for expressing the relative positional relationship of each part. However, it does not limit the absolute positional relationship of each part.

1. 1. Outline of the revolving gaming machine FIG. 1 is a view of the revolving gaming machine 10 as viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 1, the rotating drum type gaming machine 10 has a medal insertion slot 11 for inserting medals, a medal payout outlet 12 for paying out medals, and a design on the outer peripheral surface thereof on the front side thereof. The three drawn reels 13, 14, and 15, a display device 16 such as a liquid crystal display for producing a video effect, a light emitting lamp (not shown) for performing a lighting effect, and a speed for performing a voice effect. -It is equipped with a car 17, etc., and as operating means, the max bet button 18 for betting the maximum number of medals per game (usually 3) and the number of medals to be bet are increased by one. Single bet button 19 for, start lever 20 for starting rotation of reels 13, 14, 15 and three stop buttons 21, 22, 23 for stopping rotation of reels 13, 14, 15, respectively. It also has a chance button 24 for switching the effect, a refund button 25 for refunding the credited medal, and the like.

In this rotating drum type game machine 10, when the start lever 20 is operated with the number of medals credited to a predetermined number or more, the winning combination lottery is executed and the reels 13, 14 and 15 start rotating. When the stop buttons 21, 22 and 23 are operated respectively, the rotation of the reels 13, 14 and 15 corresponding to the operated stop buttons 21 and 22 and 23 is stopped, and all the reels 13, 14 and 15 are stopped. _If the combination of symbols displayed on the effective line of the reel window 10b1 when stopped corresponds to the winning combination in the winning combination lottery (when winning), the number of medals corresponding to that combination Is paid out, and when the number of medals credited reaches the upper limit, the medals sent out from the hopper unit 36 (see FIG. 2) are paid out through the medal payout outlet 12. The number of medals credits is increased when the medals are inserted into the medal slot 11 or the medals are paid out by winning when the number of medals credits has not reached the upper limit.

FIG. 2 is a view of the rotating body type gaming machine 10 with the front door 10b opened as seen from the front diagonally upper right. As shown in FIG. 2, the revolving pachinko / pachislot machine 10 includes a box-shaped housing body 10a with an open front and a front door 10b attached to the front side of the housing body 10a so as to be openable / closable. Various devices are housed inside the pachinko machine housing. In the present embodiment, the main control board unit 30, the sub control board unit 31, the display unit 32, the power supply unit 33, the connector unit 34, the reel unit 35, the hopper unit 36, and the like are housed inside the gaming machine housing. ..

The main control board unit 30 includes an electronic board (main control board) that performs basic control in games such as winning combination lottery and winning determination. The sub-control board unit 31 includes an electronic board (sub-control board) that controls effects related to the game, such as a light emitting lamp and a sound effect. The display unit 32 includes an electronic board (video board) that controls the effect of the image displayed on the display device 16 (see FIG. 1) provided therein. The power supply unit 33 includes an electronic board (power supply board) that supplies electric power to each device in the rotating drum type gaming machine 10. The connector unit 34 includes an electronic board (mediation board) that mediates a cable connected to a specific device. The reel unit 35 includes an electronic board (reel control board) that independently controls the rotation of the reels 13, 14, and 15. The hopper unit 36 collects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 11 (see FIG. 1) and sends medals to the medal payout outlet 12 (see FIG. 1) based on a signal from the main control board unit 30. It is equipped with an electronic board (hopper control board) that controls the operation.

Any of the various electronic boards provided in these units can be subject to unauthorized access. For example, the electronic board (main control board) provided in the main control board unit 30 is equipped with a storage device (ROM) in which a program for performing basic control in the rotating drum type gaming machine 10 is recorded. However, there is a person who tries to illegally modify the spinning-type gaming machine 10 by exchanging this storage device with a forged one so that a big hit is always made when a specific operation is performed during the game. Therefore, in a gaming machine such as a rotating drum type gaming machine 10, these electronic boards are housed inside a case (board case) and sealed. The substrate case that encloses the electronic substrate is usually formed of a transparent resin in order to make it easy to detect internal abnormalities from the outside.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the rotating drum type gaming machine 10. As described above, the main control board unit 30 performs basic control in the game, while the sub control board unit 31 controls the effect. As shown in FIG. 3, the sub control board unit 31 receives a signal output from the main control board unit 30, and uses various output means such as a speaker 17, a display unit 32, and a light emitting lamp (not shown) to perform various types. It is designed to perform production. On the other hand, the main control board unit 30 does not receive a signal from the sub control board unit 31, and the signal is one-way between the main control board unit 30 and the sub control board unit 31. There is.

Therefore, among the above-mentioned operating means, those related to the basic progress of the game (max bet button 18, single bet button 19, start lever 20, first stop button 21, second stop button 22, third stop button). 23 and the refund button 25) are designed to output a signal to the main control board unit 30. On the other hand, even with the operating means, those that are not related to the basic progress of the game (such as the chance button 24 and those that are exclusively related to the staging) are configured to output a signal to the sub control board unit 31. Further, among the output means, those related to the basic progress of the game (reel unit 35 and hopper unit 36) are adapted to output a predetermined value based on the signal output from the main control board unit 30. .. On the other hand, even with the output means, those not related to the basic progress of the game (speakers 17, display unit 32, etc., which are exclusively related to the production) output a predetermined output based on the signal output from the sub control board unit 31. It is supposed to be done.

By the way, the present invention relates to an operation unit for a gaming machine operated by a player, whereas the configuration according to the present invention relates to various operation means having an operation portion (operation unit) operated by the player. It can be adopted, and its operation mode is not particularly limited. For example, an operating means (pressing button, etc.) having an operation unit (pressing operation unit) that is pressed by the player, an operating means (lever, etc.) having an operating unit that is pushed up or pressed by the player. , The configuration according to the present invention can be suitably adopted in an operation means (dial, handle, etc.) including an operation unit that is rotated and operated by a player. In the example of the rotating drum type gaming machine 10 of FIG. 1 described above, the max bet button 18, the single bet button 19, the start lever 20, the stop buttons 21, 22, 23, the chance button 24, the refund button 25, etc. In, the configuration according to the present invention can be adopted.

Among them, the configuration according to the present invention can be preferably adopted in the chance button 24. This is because, as already described, the present invention provides an operation unit for a gaming machine capable of producing an excellent effect. In this respect, the chance button 24 exclusively switches the effect, and the operation result does not affect the basic progress of the game (result of the role lottery, etc.) (generally, the chance button). 24 is connected to the sub control board unit 31 that covers the effect function, and is not connected to the main control board unit 30 that performs basic control.) Therefore, compared with the start lever 20 and the stop buttons 21, 22, 23. This is because there are no restrictions on the operation of the operation unit.

As described above, the configuration according to the present invention can be suitably adopted in the chance button 24, among various operating means provided in the gaming machine. Therefore, in the following as well, the configuration according to the gaming machine operation unit 100 (FIG. 1) of the present invention will be described by taking the case of adopting the chance button 24 as an example. However, the configuration described below is not limited to the chance button 24, and can be adopted by other operating means as long as it is not impossible to adopt the configuration by other operating means.

2. 2. The operating unit for a gaming machine of the present invention The operating unit 100 for a gaming machine of the present invention will be described. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine of the present invention will be described by taking a pressing button as an example. Therefore, in the following, expressions such as "pressing the operation unit 110" may be used, but the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine of the present invention is not only a pressing button but also an operating means such as a lever, a dial, or a handle. But what can be adopted is as already mentioned. When the configuration of the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine of the present invention is adopted by an operating means other than the pressing button (another type of operating means), the phrase (“pressing”) relating to the operating mode of the pressing button in the following description. ”, Etc.) related to the operation mode of the other type of operation means (for example, when the other type of operation means is a lever,“ push down ”,“ push up ”,“ pull up ”, or“ pull down ”. , Etc., and when the other type of operating means is a dial or a handle, it is advisable to replace the words with words such as "twist" and "turn"). The form and operation direction of the operation unit may be appropriately changed according to the type of operation means and the like.

Further, in the following, the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine of the present invention will be described mainly by taking two embodiments (first embodiment and) as examples. However, the technical scope of the operating unit 100 for gaming machines of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The specific configuration of the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine of the present invention can be appropriately changed as long as the gist of the present invention is not impaired.

Further, in the following, the terms "operation direction", "operation direction positive side" and "operation direction negative side" appear. In the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, the "operation direction" coincides with the y-axis direction, the "operation direction positive side" coincides with the y-axis direction positive side, and the "operation direction negative side". "Is on the negative side in the y-axis direction. However, this is for convenience of explanation, and does not limit the operation direction of the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the present invention.

2.1 Operation unit for gaming machines according to the first embodiment First, the operation unit 100 for gaming machines according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, for convenience of illustration, the front panel 10b ₂ of the operation unit housing 140 and the front door 10b is shown by a broken line, and the inside of the operation unit housing 140 and the back side of the front panel 10b ₂ are drawn so as to be visible. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a driving principle of the operating unit driving means 120 in the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, only the drive device 121 and the working component 122 are extracted and shown, and FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) show states viewed from different angles by 90 ° around the y-axis. 6 to 10 are cross-sectional views of the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine of the first embodiment when the operating unit 110 is operated by a player, cut in chronological order by _a plane parallel to the center line L1. FIG. 6 shows the operation unit 110 at the initial position _A0 , FIG. 7 shows the initial position detecting means 190 turned off, and FIG. 8 shows the first position detecting means 191 turned on. When the operation unit 110 reaches the _first position A1 (when the operation unit 110 reaches the first position A1), FIG. 9 shows the time when the operation unit 110 reaches the operation limit position _AL , and FIG. 10 shows the operation unit 110 at the operation limit position. It is shown that the moving part 122 is moved after reaching _AL .

As shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 100 for a gaming machine of the present invention includes an operation unit 110, a first position detection means 191, a second position detection means 192, an operation unit drive means 120, and a drive device control means. (Not shown). The operating unit 100 for a gaming machine according to the first embodiment is further provided with an initial position detecting means 190. Further, the operation unit 100 for a gaming machine according to the first embodiment also includes an operation unit housing 140. Among the above members, the initial position detecting means 190, the first position detecting means 191 and the second position detecting means 192 and the operation unit driving means 120 are provided in a state of being housed inside the operation unit housing 140. Hereinafter, each member constituting the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment will be described in detail.

2.1.1 Operation unit housing As shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit housing 140 is fitted into an operation unit mounting hole 10b ₃ formed in the front panel 10b ₂ of the front door 10b, and its front end portion (y-axis direction) thereof. The negative end) is fixed to the front panel 10b ₂ . Therefore, most of the operation unit housing 140 is hidden behind the front panel 10b ₂ . As shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit housing 140 protects the initial position detecting means 190, the first position detecting means 191 and the second position detecting means 192, the operating unit driving means 120, and the like housed therein. Not only that, as will be described later, it also has a function of supporting the operation unit 110 in a displaceable state.

In the operation unit 100 for a gaming machine of the first embodiment, the operation unit housing 140 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the operation unit 110 is placed in the opening on the front side (negative side in the y-axis direction) in the front-rear direction (y-axis direction). ) Is attached in a slidable state. Therefore, the inner diameter of the operation unit housing 140 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the operation unit 110. In this regard, if a wire or the like may be inserted through a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the operation unit 110 and the inner peripheral surface of the operation unit housing 140, the wire or the like may be inserted into a unit such as the main control board unit 30 (FIG. 2). The operation unit housing 140 also has a function of blocking the wires and the like so that the wires and the like inserted through the gap do not reach the units such as the main control board unit 30 and the like. It has become.

The operation unit housing 140 may be formed of an opaque material, but is preferably formed of a transparent resin as in the substrate case described above. This is because by making the operation unit housing 140 transparent, it becomes easy to detect an abnormality (trace of unauthorized access, failure of a member inside the operation unit housing 140, etc.) that has occurred inside the operation unit housing 140 from the outside. Because it becomes possible. In addition, by forming the operation unit housing 140 with resin, as described above, a wire or the like is inserted from the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the operation unit 110 and the inner peripheral surface of the operation unit housing 140 for the purpose of unauthorized access. This is because in such a case, it becomes possible to make traces such as whitening appear on the operation unit housing 140 itself.

2.1.2 Operation unit The operation unit 110 is a part for the player to operate (press operation in the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment). The operation unit 110 is mainly operated by the player. The operation of the gaming machine operation unit 100 when the player operates the operation unit 110 will be described in detail later.

The operation unit 110 is inserted inside the tubular operation unit housing 140 and is in a state of being slidable in the front-rear direction (y-axis direction) with respect to the operation unit housing 140. As shown in FIG. A guide post 141 extending in the front-rear direction (y-axis direction) is provided inside the operation unit housing 140, and the operation unit 110 is guided by the guide post 141 to slide the operation unit 110 more stably. You can do it. The guide post 141 is fitted with an operation unit urging means 143 for urging the operation unit 110 to the opposite side in the operation direction (negative side in the y-axis direction).

Therefore, when the operating force or the like by the player is not applied to the operating unit 110, the operating unit 110 is displaced to the opposite side in the operating direction and is maintained at the initial position _A0 shown in FIG. .. The operation unit urging means 143 is not particularly limited as long as it can urge the operation unit 110 in the operation direction, and may be a leaf spring, an elastic material, or the like. In 100, it is a coil spring externally fitted to the guide post 141. By the way, as already described, the configuration according to the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine of the present invention can be adopted not only by a pressing button but also by other operating means such as a lever, a dial, and a handle. In this regard, in the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment in which the operation unit 110 is used as a pressing button, the above-mentioned operation unit urging means 143 is provided in order to return the pushed down operation unit 110 to the initial position _A0 . However, when the operation unit 110 is a lever, a dial, a handle, or the like, it is not particularly necessary to provide the operation unit urging means 143 in order to return the operation unit 110 to the initial position _A0 . When the operation unit 110 is a dial, a handle, or the like, the operation unit 110 moves only by the operation force by the player and the drive force by the drive device 121 of the operation unit drive means 120 described later (initial position). It is also possible to return to _A0 , etc.).

The form of the operation unit 110 is appropriately determined according to the operation mode of the operation unit 110 (type of operation means for adopting the gaming machine operation unit 100, etc.). In the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 110 is formed by combining the operation unit front side member 111, the operation unit intermediate member 112, and the operation unit rear side member 113. Consists of.

The front member 111 of the operation unit has a tubular shape in which the front surface portion is closed and the rear surface portion is open, and the front surface portion thereof is an operated surface operated by the player. On the rear side (back side) of the front surface portion of the operation unit front side member 111, a display sheet 114 representing characters, symbols, and the like is usually arranged. The operation portion intermediate member 112 has a tubular shape in which the front surface portion is opened and the rear surface portion is closed, and is supported inside the operation portion front side member 111. The operation unit rear member 113 has a plate shape that closes the rear surface portion of the operation unit front member 111. The operation unit rear member 113 is arranged behind the operation unit intermediate member 112 with a gap. Therefore, in the operation unit 110, a gap α is formed between the rear surface of the operation unit intermediate member 112 and the front surface of the operation unit rear side member 113.

A light source substrate 170 on which a light emitting element (light emitting diode or the like) is mounted is arranged in a portion of the operation unit 110 located on the front side of the rear surface portion of the operation unit intermediate member 112. The operation unit 110 (particularly, the operation unit front member 111) is made of a translucent material (transparent resin or the like). Therefore, when the light emitting element of the light source substrate 170 is made to emit light, the player can see the operation unit 110 in a lit state. This not only enables control such as making the operation unit 110 shine brightly when the operation of the operation unit 110 is effective, but also makes the operation unit 110 when a predetermined combination (regular bonus, big bonus, etc.) is won. It is also possible to perform effects such as blinking. As described above, the operation unit 110 moves in the operation direction with respect to the operation unit housing 140, and the light source board 170 is fixed to the operation unit housing 140 in a stationary state. It is in a state of being fixed to the front end portion of 141. Therefore, the light source substrate 170 does not move even if the operation unit 110 moves in the operation direction.

2.1.3 Initial position detecting means As shown in FIG. 6, the initial position detecting means 190 is for detecting that the operation unit 110 is in the initial position _A0 . The initial position detecting means 190 is usually provided inside the operating unit housing 140. The initial position detection means 190 can use the same sensor as the first position detection means 191 described later. Therefore, a detailed description of the initial position detecting means 190 is omitted.

2.1.4 First position detecting means As shown in FIG. 8, the first position detecting means 191 is for detecting that the operation unit 110 is displaced to the _first position A1. The first position detecting means 191 is usually provided inside the operating unit housing 140.

The first position detection means 191 may use a contact type sensor that outputs a detection signal when the detection target comes into contact with or no longer contacts, but usually, the detection target can be detected in a non-contact manner. A type of sensor is used. Examples of the non-contact type sensor include an optical sensor (photoelectric sensor and the like), a proximity sensor and the like. Among them, the photoelectric sensor is preferable not only because it is inexpensive but also because it can detect even if the detection target is a non-metal (resin or the like).

There are two types of photoelectric sensors, a transmissive type and a reflective type, and which one is to be adopted is appropriately determined in consideration of the mounting space of the first position detecting means 191 and the like. If there is no particular problem such as mounting space (the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the transmissive photoelectric sensor can be arranged facing each other), it is preferable to adopt the transmissive type in consideration of detection accuracy and the like. Also in the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, the transmissive photoelectric sensor is used as the first position detection means 191. Specifically, the first position detecting means 191 is composed of a pair of light emitting portions and light receiving portions located on the back side of the paper surface and the front side of the paper surface in FIG. 8, and the detected portion 122d provided on the operating component 122. Is inserted into the gap between the pair of light emitting parts and the light receiving part, and when the light emitted from the light emitting part does not enter the light receiving part, a detection signal is output.

The first position detecting means 191 is provided at a position where the detected unit 122d is inserted between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit when the operating unit 110 reaches the first position A ₁ (FIG. 8). On the other hand, the above-mentioned initial position detecting means 190 is provided at a position where the detected unit 122d is inserted between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit when the operating unit 110 is at the initial position _A0 (FIG. 6). ..

By the way, as the first position detection means 191, as described above, not only the binary output type (binary output type) sensor that outputs a detection signal when the detection target reaches the first position, but also, for example, the detection target ( A continuous value output type (analog output type) sensor that outputs a numerical value of the distance to the operation unit 110 or a member that is integrally displaced with the operation unit 110 can also be used. As a result, the initial position detection means 190, the first position detection means 191 and the second position detection means 192, which will be described later, can be integrated into one sensor (continuous value output type sensor). This configuration can be suitably adopted when there is not enough space inside the operation unit housing 140.

As a continuous value output type sensor, light emitted from the light emitting part of the sensor (light having a wavelength in the invisible light region such as infrared light is generally light, but light in the visible light region is used. It is not excluded. In addition, it is general that the light flux is convergent laser light, but non-laser light is not excluded.) The reflected light returned to the light receiving part of the sensor is reflected by the detection target. An optical range-finding sensor or the like that obtains the distance to the detection target by evaluation or the like is exemplified. There are various types of distance measuring sensors of this type (for example, a triangular distance type sensor, a time of flight type sensor, etc.) depending on the principle used to calculate the distance. Further, as the distance measuring sensor, not only the one using light (optical type) as described above, but also the distance from the change in capacitance to the detection target that occurs when the distance to the detection target changes. By the capacitance type to be obtained, the electromagnetic wave type to obtain the distance to the detection target by the phase of the electromagnetic wave reflected and returned by the detection target, the transfer of the sound wave reflected and returned by the detection target, etc. There is also a sound wave type that obtains the distance to the detection target.

In addition to being able to read the distance from the sensor to the detection target, these ranging sensors also have a function of outputting a detection signal when the distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value or equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value. many. In some cases, the threshold value for outputting the detection signal can be changed by software. If a distance measuring sensor that can change the threshold value for outputting the detection signal by software is used, it is possible to change the location such as the _first position A1 according to the game state or the like.

However, the first position A ₁ is an important position (a position where the operation result of the operation unit 110 is reflected) that is an opportunity to output a signal to the sub control board unit 31 to execute a predetermined effect. Therefore, if there is no particular space problem, it is preferable that the first position detecting means 191 is provided independently of the initial position detecting means 190 and the second position detecting means 192.

2.1.5 Second position detecting means The second position detecting means 192 is for detecting that the operation unit 110 is displaced to the second position A ₂ (see FIG. 8). The second position A ₂ is provided between the initial position A ₀ and the first position A ₁ as shown in FIG. The second position A ₂ drives the operating unit driving means 120 and changes the force acting on the operating component 122 from the driving device 121 to displace the operating unit 110 in the operating direction or to displace the operating unit 110 in the operating direction. It is a position to change the operating resistance. That is, it is a position where the player who operates the operation unit 110 starts to feel that the operation feeling of the operation unit 110 has changed from the middle of operating the operation unit 110. In the following, the section from the initial position A ₀ to the second position A ₂ may be referred to as the "initial position side section", and the section from the second position A ₂ to the first position A ₁ side is referred to as the "first position side section". It may be called "positional section".

Here, the concept of "displace the operation unit 110 in the operation direction" includes not only the mode of moving the operation unit 110 to the positive side of the operation direction, but also the mode of moving the operation unit 110 to the negative side of the operation direction and the operation. It also includes an embodiment in which the unit 110 is vibrated (moved alternately to the positive side in the operation direction and the negative side in the operation direction). Further, the concept of "changing the operating resistance of the operating unit 110" includes not only a mode in which the operating resistance of the operating unit 110 increases (a mode in which the operating unit 110 cannot be operated unless a strong force is applied). , The operation resistance of the operation unit 110 becomes small (the operation unit 110 can be operated with a small force), and the operation resistance of the operation unit 110 is large and the operation resistance is small. It also includes aspects such as how to do so.

As the second position detecting means 192, the same ones as the above-mentioned initial position detecting means 190 and the first position detecting means 191 can be adopted. However, since the second position A ₂ is a position that does not affect the operation result of the operation unit 110 or the like, the degree of freedom in setting the place where the second position A 2 is provided is higher than that of the first position A ₁ or the like. That is, the location of the _second position A2 can be appropriately changed according to the specifications and the like of the operating unit 100 for the gaming machine. Further, even if the operation unit 100 for the same gaming machine is used, the location of the _second position A2 may be different depending on whether the game is being played or not so that the behavior of the operation unit 110 itself can perform various effects. You may want to change.

For example, if a plurality of candidate positions are set as the second position A ₂ and one of the plurality of candidate positions is updated and set as the second position A ₂ according to the game state or the like, the game can be played. Even if the operation unit 110 is the same, the location of the second position A ₂ is different, such as changing the location of the second position A ₂ (the location where the operation unit 110 is driven by the operation unit drive means 120) according to the state or the like. It becomes possible to perform various productions.

In this respect, when the above-mentioned continuous value output type sensor is used as the second position detection means 192, it is possible to easily cope with the above-mentioned change of the second position A ₂ . However, in the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, as described later, a motor capable of outputting the current displacement amount is adopted as the drive device 121. Therefore, the drive device 121 (a motor capable of outputting a displacement amount, more accurately, a rotary encoder installed in the motor) functions as a second position detecting means 192. As a result, the second position detecting means 192 can be shared with the driving device 121, the number of parts of the operating unit 100 for the gaming machine can be reduced, and the internal space of the operating unit housing 140 can be effectively utilized.

2.1.6 Operation unit drive means The operation unit drive means 120 is composed of a drive device 121 and an operating component 122 as shown in FIG. The drive device 121 is for driving the operating component 122. The operation unit driving means 120 displaces the operation unit 110 (FIG. 6) in the operation direction (positive side in the operation direction or negative side in the operation direction) by changing the force acting on the operating component 122 from the drive device 121, or , The operation resistance of the operation unit 110 is changed.

The drive device 121 is not particularly limited as long as it can be driven by power such as electricity. Examples of the drive device 121 include a motor, a solenoid, and the like. In the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, a motor capable of forward / reverse rotation and capable of outputting the displacement amount (rotational displacement amount) is used as the drive device 121.

Such motors include those equipped with an incremental encoder capable of outputting the relative rotational displacement amount (stepping motor) and those equipped with an absolute encoder capable of outputting the absolute rotational displacement amount (servo motor). ) Etc. can be mentioned. However, in the incremental encoder used in the stepping motor, there is a possibility that an error may occur in the rotational displacement amount output from the pulse detection omission due to vibration or the like. Therefore, in the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, a servomotor provided with an absolute encoder is adopted as the drive device 121. As described above, the absolute encoder of this servomotor (driving device 121) can also function as the second position detecting means 192 (FIG. 6).

The working component 122 is not particularly limited as long as it is driven by the driving device 121 and operates. The configuration of the working component 122 is appropriately determined according to the type of the driving device 121, the operating mode desired to be made of the working component 122, and the like. The working component 122 is not limited to the one composed of only a single member, and may be composed of a plurality of members. In the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the operating component 122 includes a driving force transmission gear 122a to which an output shaft 121a of a motor (driving device 121) is connected, and a driving force. It is composed of a guide gear 122b in contact with the transmission gear 122a and a slide member 122c having a rack portion 122c ₁ that meshes with the driving force transmission gear 122a.

The driving force transmission gear 122a is composed of a large-diameter gear 122a ₁ and a small-diameter gear 122a ₂ and 122a ₃ . The small-diameter gear 122a ₂ is located on the front side of the large-diameter gear 122a ₁ when viewed from the drive device 121, and is concentric with the large-diameter gear 122a ₁ and fixed to the large-diameter gear 122a ₁ . The small-diameter gear 122a ₃ is located on the inner side of the large-diameter gear 122a ₁ when viewed from the drive device 121, and is concentric with the large-diameter gear 122a ₁ and fixed to the large-diameter gear 122a ₁ . When the output shaft 121a of the drive device 121 rotates around the rotation center line L ₂ , the large-diameter gear 122a ₁ and the small-diameter gears 122a ₂ and 122a ₃ also rotate around the rotation center line L ₂ . The rack portion 122c ₁ meshes with the small diameter gear 122a ₃ and slides in the operating direction when the driving force transmission gear 122a rotates. Such a mechanism is commonly referred to as a "rack and pinion mechanism".

In the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, the slide member 122c in the rack and pinion mechanism is provided at one end (the end on the negative side in the y-axis direction) as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, from the state where the contact head 122c ₂ is in contact with the _{first contact portion β 1 of} the operation unit 110 at the initial position A0, the contact head 122c ₂ is It is possible to move in the operation direction (y-axis direction) within the range until it comes into contact with the second contact portion β ₂ of the operation unit 110 at the operation limit position A _L. That is, the slide member 122c in FIG. 6 has reached the limit position on the negative side in the operation direction (negative side in the y-axis direction), and the slide member 122c in FIG. 10 has reached the limit position on the positive side in the operation direction (positive in the y-axis direction). The limit position on the side) has been reached.

On the other hand, the guide gear 122b is composed of a large-diameter gear 122b ₁ and a small-diameter gear 122b ₃ . The small-diameter gear 122b ₃ is located on the inner side of the large-diameter gear 122a ₁ when viewed from the drive device 121, and is concentric with the large-diameter gear 122b ₁ and fixed to the large-diameter gear 122b ₁ . The large-diameter gear 122b ₁ in the guide gear 122b meshes with the small-diameter gear 122a ₂ in the driving force transmission gear 122a, and the small-diameter gear 122b ₃ in the guide gear 122b is in the driving force transmission gear 122a. It meshes with the large diameter gear 122a ₁ . When the driving force transmission gear 122a rotates, the guide gear 122b rotates around the center line due to the above meshing. The guide gear 122b guides the driving force transmission gear 122a to suppress rattling of the driving force transmission gear 122a.

The slide member 122c is provided with a plate-shaped contact head 122c ₂ at an end portion on the negative side in the operating direction of the strip-shaped portion provided with the rack portion 122c ₁ . As shown in FIG. 6, the contact head 122c ₂ is housed in a gap α between the rear surface of the operation unit intermediate member 112 and the front surface of the operation unit rear member 113 in the operation unit 110. Will be done. The thickness (thickness in the operation direction) of the contact head 122c ₂ is smaller than the width of the gap α in the operation direction. Therefore, the contact head 122c ₂ can move in the operating direction within the gap α. The contact head 122c ₂ is for contacting the first contact portion β ₁ and the second contact portion β ₂ in the operation unit 110.

2.1.7 Drive device control means When the second position detection means 192 detects that the operation unit 110 has reached the second position A ₂ (see FIG. 8), the drive device control means is the drive device 121. The force acting on the working component 122 is changed.

The drive device control means is provided as a program stored in a storage device such as a ROM, or as an electronic circuit (IC circuit or the like) in an electronic component. A storage device or an electronic circuit that functions as a drive device control means can be housed inside the operation unit housing 140, but in the game machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, the sub control board unit 31 It is provided in (Fig. 3).

After the operation unit 110 reaches the second position A ₂ (when the operation unit 110 is in the first position side section), how to change the force acting on the operating component 122 from the drive device 121 is an operation. It is appropriately determined according to what kind of effect is desired to be executed in the unit 110. The effects that can be performed by the operation unit 110 by changing the force acting on the operating component 122 from the drive device 121 include, for example, the following operation resistance increase effect, operation resistance decrease effect, operation resistance increase / decrease effect, and operation. Part vibration production and the like can be mentioned. The sub control board unit 31 determines the effect to be executed based on the signal from the main control board unit 30 (FIG. 3), and as a part of the determination, the effect on the operation unit 110 is also determined.

[Production resistance increase]
The operation resistance increasing effect is an effect of increasing the operating resistance of the operating unit 110 when it is in the first position side section to be larger than the operating resistance of the operating unit 110 when it is in the initial position side section. As a result, by making the player who operates the operation unit 110 feel that the operation unit 110 has become heavier while operating the operation unit 110, it is possible to give the player a sense of discomfort and elaborate the taste of the game. become. In the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, when a motor capable of forward / reverse rotation is used as the drive device 121 of the operation unit drive means 120, the operation unit 110 is a section on the first position side. If the operation unit 110 is made to generate a torque in the direction of urging the operation unit 110 to the negative side in the operation direction, the operation resistance increase effect can be executed.

[Operation resistance reduction effect]
The operation resistance reduction effect is an effect of reducing the operation resistance of the operation unit 110 when it is in the first position side section to be smaller than the operation resistance of the operation unit 110 when it is in the initial position side section. As a result, by making the player who operates the operation unit 110 feel that the operation unit 110 has become lighter while operating the operation unit 110, it is possible to give the player a sense of discomfort and elaborate the taste of the game. become. In the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, when a motor capable of forward / reverse rotation is used as the drive device 121 of the operation unit drive means 120, the operation unit 110 is a section on the first position side. If the motor at the time of is generated a torque in the direction of urging the operation unit 110 to the positive side in the operation direction, the operation resistance reduction effect can be executed. If the torque of the motor (drive device 121) is further increased, the operation unit 110 is separated from the player's hand or the like that operates the operation unit 110 and is moved to the positive side in the operation direction (the operation unit rather than the player's hand or the like). It is also possible to perform an operation unit preceding displacement effect) in which the 110 is displaced in advance.

[Operation resistance increase / decrease effect]
The operation resistance increase / decrease effect is an effect of repeatedly increasing / decreasing the operation resistance of the operation unit 110, which was substantially constant when the operation unit 110 is in the initial position side section, when the operation unit 110 is in the first position side section. As a result, the player who operates the operation unit 110 feels a tingling sensation in the operation of the operation unit 110 from the middle of operating the operation unit 110 (the operation unit 110 is displaced while being sequentially caught by a plurality of repeatedly formed convex portions). By making the player feel a sense of discomfort, it becomes possible to elaborate the taste of the game. In the game machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, when a motor capable of forward / reverse rotation is used as the drive device 121 of the operation unit drive means 120, the operation unit 110 is a section on the first position side. The torque in the direction that urges the operation unit 110 to the positive side in the operation direction (positive side torque) and the torque in the direction that urges the operation unit 110 to the negative side in the operation direction (negative side torque). If it is generated alternately, or if either the positive side torque or the negative side torque is generated intermittently, the operation resistance increase / decrease effect can be executed.

In the above operation resistance increase / decrease effect, for example, the operation resistance is switched between a large state and a small state every time the operation unit 110 is displaced by 0.5 mm, and the operation resistance is large and small according to the displacement of the operation unit 110. It is preferable to switch between states. This makes it possible for the player to feel the above-mentioned rattling feeling with a more realistic feeling in the operation resistance increase / decrease effect. Further, the operation unit 100 for a game machine of the present invention has a gear configuration (particularly the diameter of the small diameter gear 122a ₃ ) constituting the rack and pinion mechanism described with reference to FIG. It can be suitably adopted when the displacement is increased and transmitted to the operation unit 110 to secure a large displacement (stroke width) of the operation unit 110. This is because if the stroke width of the operation unit 110 can be secured to be large, it is possible to secure a large number of times for switching between the state where the operation resistance is large and the state where the operation resistance is small to the extent that the player feels the above-mentioned rattling feeling. Because.

However, in order to switch between a state in which the operation resistance is large and a state in which the operation resistance is small according to the displacement of the operation unit 110 in the operation resistance increase / decrease effect, the position of the operation unit 110 in the first position side section is detected at a plurality of points. There is a need to. In this regard, if the position of the operation unit 110 is to be detected at a plurality of points by a binary output type (binary output type) sensor, it is necessary to provide a plurality of sensors. Not the target. Therefore, in the operation resistance increase / decrease effect, if the operation resistance is switched between a large state and a small state according to the displacement of the operation unit 110, a sensor capable of continuously or intermittently outputting the displacement amount is used. Is preferable. This makes it possible to detect the position of the operation unit 110 at a plurality of points with one sensor.

[Operation unit vibration effect (including limit position vibration)]
In the operation unit vibration effect, when the operation unit 110 is in the initial position side section, the operation unit 110 that is monotonically displaced to the positive side in the operation direction according to the operation of the player is moved to the first position side section by the player. It is a production that forcibly vibrates regardless of the operation. As a result, it is possible to give the player a sense of discomfort, such as vibrating the operation unit 110 from the middle of operating the operation unit 110, and to elaborate the taste of the game. In the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, when a motor capable of forward / reverse rotation is used as the drive device 121 of the operation unit drive means 120, the operation unit 110 is a section on the first position side. The motor at the time of is rotated in the direction in which the operation unit 110 moves to the positive side in the operation direction (positive side rotation) and in the direction in which the operation unit 110 moves in the negative side in the operation direction (negative side rotation). By repeatedly switching between the states, the operation unit vibration effect can be executed.

By the way, in the game machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the gap α between the rear surface of the operation unit intermediate member 112 and the front surface of the operation unit rear member 113 in the operation unit 110 (FIG. 6) accommodates the contact head 122c ₂ of the slide member 122c, and as shown in FIG. 10, even after the operation unit 110 reaches the operation limit position _AL which cannot be further displaced to the positive side in the operation direction. Since the contact head 122c ₂ can be moved in the operation direction (reciprocating within the range of the arrow γ) within the gap α, the operation unit 110 operated up to the operation limit position _AL is vibrated (limit position vibration). It is also possible. This will be explained in detail later.

2.1.8 Operation of the gaming machine operation unit of the first embodiment Next, the operation of the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment will be described. In the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine of the first embodiment, the operating unit 110 is mainly operated by a player. Therefore, in the following, a case where the player operates the operation unit 110 will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 110 before the force is applied by the player is located at the initial position _A0 . When the operating unit 110 is in the initial position _A0 , the detected unit 122d provided in the operating component 122 overlaps the initial position detecting means 190, and the initial position detecting means 190 is in the ON state (detection state). There is. The slide member 122c when the operation unit 110 is in the initial position _{A0 has its contact head 122c 2 located} in any of the gaps α of the operation unit 110.

In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, the front surface (negative side in the operation direction) of the contact head 122c ₂ is attached to the first contact portion β ₁ provided on the rear surface (the surface on the positive side in the operation direction) of the operation unit intermediate member 112. The surface) is drawn in contact with each other, but this is not always the case. For example, if the urging force of the operating unit urging means 143 is stronger than the resistance force of the driving device 121 when not driven, the operating unit 110 urged to the negative side in the operating direction by the operating unit urging means 143 abuts. The head 122c ₂ is pulled to the negative side in the operation direction, and the head for contact is brought into contact with the second contact portion β ₂ provided on the front surface (the surface on the negative side in the operation direction) of the rear member 113 of the operation portion. The rear surface of 122c ₂ (the surface on the positive side in the operating direction) is in contact with the rear surface. In any case, if the operation unit 110 is operated from the initial position _A0 to the positive side in the operation direction and slightly moved, as shown in FIG. 6, the contact head 122c ₂ is attached to the first contact portion β ₁ . Is in contact with each other.

When the operation unit 110 is continuously operated in the positive side in the operation direction from the state shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 110 reaches the position A _0.1 and is provided on the operating component 122 as shown in FIG. The detection unit 122d is removed from the initial position detecting means 190, and the initial position detecting means 190 is in the off state (non-detection state). From the initial position A ₀ shown in FIG. 6 to the position A _0.1 shown in FIG. 7, the rear surface (first contact portion β ₁ ) of the operation unit intermediate member 112 is subjected to the contact head by the operating force of the player. Since the front surface of the portion 122c ₂ is continuously pushed to the positive side in the operation direction, the first contact portion β ₁ is maintained in a state of being in contact with the front surface of the contact head 122c ₂ .

When the operation unit 110 is further operated on the positive side in the operation direction from the state shown in FIG. 7, the operation unit 110 passes through the _second position A2 and reaches the _first position A1 as shown in FIG. When the operation unit 110 reaches the _second position A2, the above-mentioned operation resistance increase effect, operation resistance decrease effect, operation resistance increase / decrease effect, operation unit vibration effect, and the like are started. Further, when the operating unit 110 reaches the _first position A1, the detected unit 122d provided on the operating component 122 overlaps the first position detecting means 191 and the first position detecting means 191 is turned on (detection state). ). The detection signal of the first position detecting means 191 is input to the sub control board unit 31 (FIG. 3). When the detection signal is input from the first position detection means 191, the sub-control board unit 31 executes a predetermined effect in a predetermined output device such as a display device 16 (FIG. 1), a light emitting lamp, or a speaker 17. To start. The first contact portion β ₁ at this time is also maintained in a state of being in contact with the front surface of the contact head 122c ₂ .

As an effect (predetermined effect) executed when the detection signal of the first position detecting means 191 is input to the sub-control board unit 31, the display content of the display device 16 may be changed (display screen is switched). Alternatively, embodiments such as moving a character or the like displayed on the display screen), changing the lighting state of the light emitting lamp, changing the sound output from the speaker 17, and the like are exemplified. In the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, as will be described later, the rifle shooting effect shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b) and the rifle shooting effect shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b) are shown. It is possible to perform a bone cutting effect. In this regard, in the rifle shooting effect, at the timing when the detection signal of the first position detection means 191 is input to the sub control board unit 31, a shooting sound (sound effect) of "Dada Dada Dada ..." is output from the speaker 17. After that, the display screen of the display device 16 can be switched from FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B. Further, in the bone cutting effect, at the timing when the detection signal of the first position detecting means 191 is input to the sub control board unit 31, a cutting sound (sound effect) of "Gikogikogiko ..." is output from the speaker 17, and then. , The display screen of the display device 16 can be switched from FIG. 12 (a) to FIG. 12 (b).

The operation unit 110 may be configured so as not to move further to the positive side in the operation direction than the _first position A1 shown in FIG. 8 (the _first position A1 is the operation limit position). However, in that case, high accuracy is required for the positioning of the first position detecting means 191. Therefore, in the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, the operation unit 110 can be moved to the positive side in the operation direction from the _first position A1. As a result, not only the positioning of the first position detecting means 191 does not require high accuracy, but also the first position detecting means 191 repeatedly turns on and off silently when the limit position vibration described later is executed. It is also possible to prevent malfunction of the gaming machine by preventing it.

When the operation unit 110 is further operated from the _first position A1 shown in FIG. 8 to the positive side in the operation direction, the rear surface of the operation unit 110 becomes a stopper member 144 (usually, a cushioning property such as rubber) as shown in FIG. The operation unit 110 reaches the operation limit position _AL , which cannot be further moved to the positive side in the operation direction. The first contact portion β ₁ at this time is also maintained in a state of being in contact with the front surface of the contact head 122c ₂ . However, even if the operation unit 110 cannot move further to the positive side in the operation direction, the operating component 122 is in the middle of the stroke width. Therefore, when the drive device 121 (motor) is continuously rotated on the positive side, the contact head 122c ₂ of the operating component 122 moves in the operation direction independently of the operation unit 110.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the drive device 121 (motor) is continuously rotated on the positive side from the state where the operation unit 110 reaches the operation limit position _AL , the contact head 122c ₂ of the operating component 122 is in the gap α. Is moved to the positive side in the operation direction, and as shown in FIG. 10, the rear surface (the surface on the negative side in the operation direction) of the contact head 122c ₂ is the front surface (the surface on the positive side in the operation direction) of the rear member 113 of the operation unit. It comes into contact with the second contact portion β ₂ provided on the surface). The impact of this contact causes vibration in the operation unit 110. After that, the rotation direction of the drive device 121 (motor) is switched, and the contact head 122c ₂ of the operating component 122 is reciprocated within the gap α (the position where the first contact portion β ₁ is contacted and the second contact). If the operation unit 110 is reciprocated (reciprocating with and from the position in contact with the unit β ₂ ), continuous vibration will occur in the operation unit 110. That is, it is possible to perform the above-mentioned effect by the limit position vibration without separately providing a drive source (vibrator or the like) for it. Therefore, it is possible to produce an excellent effect.

2.1.9 Others In addition to the above-described configuration, the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment may further adopt the following configuration.

For example, the following configuration can also be adopted. That is, in the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment, the tubular portion forming the outer surface of the operation unit housing 140 (hereinafter, may be referred to as “cylindrical portion of the operation unit housing 140”). , Was composed of one member integrally and continuously formed. In this respect, the tubular portion of the operation unit housing 140 can be separated into a portion that guides the operation unit 110 (operation unit guide unit) and a portion that stores the operation unit drive means 120 (operation unit drive means storage unit). It is also preferable to have a structure. In such a structure, for example, the operation unit guide unit and the operation unit drive means storage unit in the tubular portion of the operation unit housing 140 are assembled to each other by screwing (screwing), fitting, screwing, or the like. Then, it can be realized. As a result, even if the specifications of the pachinko / pachislot machine operation unit 100 change, it becomes possible to deal with it by simply exchanging the minimum necessary parts (units).

2.1.10 Example of effect Next, an effect that can be performed using the game machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment will be described. In the following, for convenience of explanation, a rifle shooting effect and a bone cutting effect will be described as examples. However, the rifle shooting effect and the bone cutting effect, which will be described later, are only given as examples until they get tired of it. The effect of the operation unit 100 for a gaming machine of the present invention can be executed in a mode other than the rifle shooting effect and the bone cutting effect described later. Further, the timing of executing the rifle shooting effect and the bone cutting effect, which will be described later, varies depending on the type and specifications of the gaming machine, and is not particularly limited. For example, in the spinning-type gaming machine 10, in order to notify the player of the winning of the regular bonus or the big bonus, the start lever 20, the stop buttons 21, 22, 23, etc., are operating means necessary for the progress of the game. There is a model that makes it impossible to accept the game and expresses a freeze state that temporarily stops the game, but in such a rotating body type game machine 10, when the above freeze state occurs, the rifle shooting effect described later It is possible to preferably perform an effect such as a bone cutting effect.

[Rifle shooting production]
First, the rifle shooting effect will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a rifle shooting effect. The rectangular frame in FIGS. 11A and 11B shows the display area of the display screen in the display device 16 shown in FIG.

When the rifle shooting effect is started, as shown in FIG. 11A, the display screen of the display device 16 displays the characters "Shoot with a MISSION machine gun!", And multiple characters 201 to 204 and the target of the machine gun. 250 is displayed. As the characters 201 to 204, the enemy character 203 and the non-enemy characters 201, 202, 204 are displayed, and the target 250 is another character next to the one character from the state of being overlapped with the one character. It is moving on the display screen so that it overlaps with. The position of the target 250 may be fixed so that the characters 201 to 204 move (scroll, etc.), or both the target 250 and the characters 201 to 204 may move.

Under the above situation, when the operation unit 110 (FIG. 6) of the operation unit 100 for a gaming machine is operated, a sound effect in which a bullet is fired from a machine gun (for example, a sound effect "Dada Dada ...") is heard. It is output from the speaker 17 (FIG. 1). At this time, if a predetermined role (regular bonus or big bonus) has been won, as shown in FIG. 11B, the target 250 moves to a position where it overlaps with the enemy character 203 and stops. Then, the enemy character 203 shouts "Wow!" And the like, and characters such as "MISSION succeeded!" Are displayed on the display screen. On the other hand, if the above-mentioned predetermined role has not been won, the target 250 moves to a position away from the enemy character 203 (a position overlapping any of the non-enemy characters 201, 202, 204). It stops, and the non-enemy characters 201, 202, 204 shout "Cha!" And the like, and characters such as "MISSION failed!" Are displayed on the display screen.

That is, in the above-mentioned rifle shooting effect, the operation unit 110 of the gaming machine operation unit 100 functions as a trigger for the rifle, but the operation unit 110 is being operated or up to the operation limit position. It is possible to perform an operation of vibrating the operation unit 110 (the above-mentioned operation unit vibration effect) when the operation unit is operated. This makes it possible to give the player who operates the operation unit 110 the feeling of hitting a bullet with a rifle, and it is possible to enhance the effect of the effect.

[Bone cutting effect]
Next, the bone cutting effect will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a bone cutting effect. The rectangular frame in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b) indicates the display area of the display screen in the display device 16 shown in FIG.

When the bone cutting effect is started, as shown in FIG. 12A, the saw 300 and the bone 350 are displayed on the display screen of the display device 16 together with the characters "Cut the bone with a MISSION saw!". .. Under such circumstances, when the operation unit 110 (FIG. 6) of the operation unit 100 for a gaming machine is operated, a sound effect (for example, "Gikogikogiko ...") in which the bone 350 is cut by the saw 300 is produced. Sound effect) is output from the speaker 17 (FIG. 1), and a cut is made in the bone 350. One operation of the operation unit 110 corresponds to, for example, one reciprocating movement of the saw 300. When the bone 350 has been cut within a predetermined time or the like, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), the bone 350 is displayed in a cut state, and characters such as "MISSION successful!" Are displayed. .. On the other hand, if the bone 350 is not completely cut within a predetermined time or the like, characters such as "MISSION failed!" Are displayed on the display screen.

That is, in the above-mentioned bone cutting effect, the operation by the operation unit 110 of the gaming machine operation unit 100 corresponds to the operation of the saw 300, but while the operation unit 110 is being operated, It is possible to execute an effect of increasing or decreasing the operation resistance of the operation unit 110 (the above-mentioned effect of increasing or decreasing the operation resistance). As a result, it becomes possible to give the player who operates the operation unit 110 the feeling as if the bone 350 is being cut with the saw 300, and the effect of the effect can be enhanced.

Similar to the above rifle shooting effect, in this bone cutting effect, when the mission is successful (successful cutting of the bone 350), depending on the operation mode of the operation unit 110 at that time, a regular bonus or a big bonus is won. It is also possible to determine the degree of expectation. For example, when the regular bonus or the big bonus is won, the operation unit 110 is vibrated (the above-mentioned operation unit vibration effect), while when the regular bonus or the big bonus is not won, the operation unit 110 is pressed. It is also possible not to perform the vibrating effect. This also allows the player to pay attention to the behavior of the operation unit 110, and further enhances the interest of the game.

2.2 Operation unit for gaming machines according to the second embodiment Next, the operation unit 100 for gaming machines according to the second embodiment will be described. Regarding the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the second embodiment, only the parts different from the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment described above will be described, and the parts common to the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment will be described. I will omit the explanation about. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the second embodiment cut along _a plane parallel to the center line L1 thereof.

In the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 5, a motor is used as the drive device 121 of the operation unit drive means 120, and a gear 122a or the like for driving force transmission is used as the operating component 122. It was a rack and pinion mechanism. On the other hand, in the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a solenoid device is used as the drive device 121 of the operation unit drive means 120, and a link mechanism 130 or the like is used as the operating component 122. It has become the one that was there. Here, the "link mechanism" is a mechanism in which a plurality of non-deformable members called links (nodes) are connected to each other via a member called a joint (joint) so as to be relatively movable with each other. Say that. There are various types of "link mechanisms" depending on the number and arrangement of links (joints) and joints (joints).

As shown in FIG. 13, the solenoid device (driving device 121) includes a solenoid 121b, a slide pin 121c that slides and displaces when the magnetic field generated by the solenoid 121b changes, and a slide pin urging member 121d that urges the slide pin 121c. It is composed of and. The link mechanism 130 is for increasing the displacement of the slide pin 121c and transmitting it to the operation unit 110.

The link mechanism 130 functions as a displacement increasing mechanism that increases the displacement of the slide pin 121c of the operating unit driving means 120 and transmits the displacement to the operating unit 110. Therefore, the link mechanism 130 is interposed between the operation unit 110 and the slide pin 121c of the solenoid device (drive device 121). With this link mechanism 130, the operation unit 110 can be operated with a displacement larger than that of the slide pin 121c, and the operation unit 110 can produce an effect that is easy for the player to recognize. In particular, in the above-mentioned effect of increasing / decreasing the operation resistance, when the effect of switching the operation resistance of the operation unit 110 according to the displacement of the operation unit 110 is performed, the effect can be performed in a manner that the player can easily recognize. Further, as described in the column of "2.1.5 Second position detecting means", the place of the second position (the place where the operation unit 110 is driven by the operation unit driving means 120) is determined according to the gaming state or the like. Even with the same operation unit 110, such as by changing it, it is possible to facilitate various effects with different second positions.

As a transmission mode by the link mechanism 130, a linear motion of the input side (slide pin 121c) is typically transmitted to the output side (operation unit 110) as a linear motion, and the game of the second embodiment is a pressing button. The machine operation unit 100 also has such a transmission mode. However, the transmission mode by the link mechanism 130 can be appropriately changed according to the type and specifications of the gaming machine operation unit 100 and the operation unit driving means 120. For example, when the operation unit 110 of the game machine operation unit 100 rotates (dial or the like) and the operation unit drive means 120 linearly moves the slide pin 121c, the slide pin 121c It is also possible to convert the linear motion into a rotary motion by the link mechanism 130 and transmit it. Further, when the operation unit 110 of the game machine operation unit 100 rotates (dial or the like) and the operation unit drive means 120 rotates the slide pin 121c, the slide pin 121c It is also possible to transmit the rotary motion as a rotary motion by the link mechanism 130.

In the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the second embodiment, the link mechanism 130 includes a first link 131 and a second link 132, as shown in FIG. The first link 131 is an "L" -shaped (inverted "L" -shaped in FIG. 13) member having a long arm portion 131a and a short arm portion 131b inclined to each other. The first link 131 and the second link 132 are rotatable about each other at a point P2 in the middle part of the long arm portion 131a of the first link 131 and a point Q1 at _one end of the _second link 132. It is connected in the state. Further, the _first link 131 is pivotally supported by the operation unit housing 140 (or a member that does not move with respect to the operation unit housing 140) at the point P1 at the connecting portion between the long arm portion 131a and the short arm portion 131b. .. Therefore, the _first link 131 can rotate about the point P1 with respect to the operation unit housing 140. The other end of the _second link 132 (opposite to point _Q1 ) is pivotally supported by a protrusion protruding rearward from the link output movable member 160 at that point Q2. The front surface (the surface on the negative side in the y-axis direction) side of the link output movable member 160 is connected to the operation unit 110.

In addition, the short arm portion 131b of the first link 131 is provided with a long hole-shaped guide hole 131b ₁ . The guide hole 131b ₁ extends in a direction non-parallel to the moving direction (y-axis direction) of the movable member 150 described later. A guided portion 151a provided at the tip of a protrusion 151 projecting forward (negative side in the y-axis direction) from the plate-shaped movable member 150 is inserted into the guide hole 131b ₁ . The movable member 150 is housed inside the operation unit housing 140 in a state of being movable in the operation direction (y-axis direction). The front end portion of the slide pin 121c of the operation unit driving means 120 described above is fixed to the rear surface (the surface facing the positive side in the y-axis direction) side of the movable member 150. Therefore, the movable member 150 operates integrally with the slide pin 121c. That is, the displacement of the slide pin 121c is transmitted to the first link 131 via the movable member 150, while when the first link 131 is displaced, the displacement is transmitted to the slide pin 121c via the movable member 150. It has a structure that is transmitted to.

In the gaming machine operation unit 100 of the second embodiment, when the slide pin 121c is displaced to the positive side in the y-axis direction from the state shown in FIG. 13, the guided portion 151a separates from the _point P1 in the guide hole _131b1 . The _first link 131 is provided with a counterclockwise rotational force centered on the point P1 while moving to the side of the slingshot. Further, when the _first link 131 is rotationally displaced counterclockwise around the point P1 from the state shown in FIG. 13, the guided portion 151a is on the side where the guide hole 131b ₁ is separated from the _point P1. The slide pin 121c is also displaced to the positive side in the y-axis direction while moving to the rear side (positive side in the y-axis direction).

Further, a guided portion 131a ₁ is provided at an end portion of the long arm portion 131a of the first link 131 on the operation portion 110 side. The guided portion 131a ₁ is inserted into a guide hole 161 provided in a long hole shape in a projecting piece projecting rearward from the link output movable member 160. The guide hole 161 extends in a direction non-parallel to the operation direction (y-axis direction) of the operation unit 110. Therefore, when the operation unit 110 is operated from the state shown in FIG. 13 to the positive side in the operation direction (positive side in the y-axis direction), the guided portion 131a ₁ moves in the guide hole 161 on one side (in the x-axis direction in FIG. 13). While moving to the negative side), it is displaced to the positive side in the operation direction (positive side in the y-axis direction), and the _first link 131 is rotationally displaced counterclockwise around the point P1. Further, when the _first link 131 rotates counterclockwise around the point P1 from the state shown in FIG. 13, the guided portion 131a ₁ moves inside the guide hole 161 on the other side (x in FIG. 13). While moving to the positive side in the axial direction, it is displaced to the negative side in the operation direction (negative side in the y-axis direction), and the operation unit 110 is also displaced to the negative side in the operation direction.

Even if the drive device 121 is composed of a solenoid device and the operating component 122 is composed of a link mechanism 130 as in the operation unit 100 for a gaming machine of the second embodiment, for example, the operation unit 110 may be used in the first embodiment. If a gap α such as the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine is formed and a portion that reciprocates within such a gap α is formed in the link output movable member 160, the operating unit 100 for a gaming machine according to the first embodiment can be used. It is possible to perform the same operation.

10-turn body type gaming machine 10a Housing body 10b Front door 10b ₁ Reel window 10b ₂ Front panel 10b ₃ Operation unit mounting hole 11 Medal slot 12 Medal payout port 13 First reel (reel)
14 Second reel (reel)
15 Third reel (reel)
16 Liquid crystal display (display device)
17 Speaker 18 Max Bet Button 19 Single Bet Button 20 Start Lever 21 First Stop Button (Stop Button)
22 Second stop button (stop button)
23 Third stop button (stop button)
24 Chance button 25 Refund button 30 Main control board unit 31 Sub control board unit 32 Display unit 33 Power supply unit 34 Connector unit 35 Reel unit 36 Hopper unit 100 Game machine operation unit 110 Operation unit 111 Operation unit front side member 112 Operation unit Intermediate member 113 Operation unit rear member 114 Display sheet 120 Operation unit drive means 121 Drive device 121a Output shaft 121b Solvent 121c Slide pin 121d Slide pin urging member 122 Operating parts 122a Driving force transmission gear 122a ₁ Large diameter gear 122a ₂ Small diameter gear 122a ₃ small diameter gear 122b guide gear 122b ₁ large diameter gear 122b ₃ small diameter gear 122c slide member 122c ₁ rack part 122c ₂ contact head 122d detected part 130 link mechanism 131 first link 131a long arm part 131a ₁ covered Guide part 131b Short arm part 131b ₁ Guide hole 132 Second link 140 Operation unit housing 141 Guide post 142 Link receiving member 143 Operation part urging means 144 Stopper member 150 Movable member 151 Protrusion 151a Guided part 160 Link output Movable member 161 Guide Hole 170 Light source board 180 Voice output oscillator 190 Initial position detection means 191 First position detection means 192 Second position detection means 201 Non-enemy character (character)
202 Non-enemy character (character)
203 Enemy character (character)
204 Non-enemy character (character)
300 Saw 350 Bone α Gap between the rear surface of the intermediate member of the operation unit and the front surface of the rear member of the operation unit (gap)
β ₁ 1st contact part β ₂ 2nd contact part

Claims (1)

An operation unit that is displaced from the initial position to the positive side in the operation direction by being operated by the player,
The first operation unit, which has been displaced from the initial position to the positive side in the operation direction due to the operation of the player, outputs a detection signal based on the fact that the operation unit has reached the first position where a predetermined effect is started in the gaming machine. Position detection means and
A second position that outputs a detection signal based on the fact that the operation unit, which has been displaced from the initial position to the positive side in the operation direction due to the operation of the player, has reached the second position between the initial position and the first position. Detection means and
It has a working component and a driving device for driving the working component, and by changing the force acting on the working component from the driving device, the operating unit is displaced in the operating direction, or the operating unit of the operating unit is displaced. The operation unit drive means that changes the operation resistance,
When the detection signal is output from the second position detecting means, the driving device controlling means for changing the force acting on the operating component from the driving device, and the driving device controlling means.
It is an operation unit for pachinko machines equipped with
The operating portion has a first contact portion capable of contacting the operating component from the positive side in the operating direction and a second contact portion capable of contacting the operating component from the negative side in the operating direction. death,
Even after the operation unit reaches an operation limit position where it cannot be further displaced to the positive side in the operation direction, the drive device moves the operating component independently of the operation unit, and the operating component is moved to the second operation unit. By moving between the position where the contact portion abuts and the position where the operation portion abuts on the second contact portion, the operation is performed without directly acting the driving force of the drive device on the operation unit. An operation unit for gaming machines, which is characterized by being able to generate vibration in the part.

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