Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing amusement of a game.SOLUTION: A game machine 100 includes an operation unit (handle 300) with a rotatable rotation unit 320 used to shoot game balls, and a processing device that controls performance. The operation unit is movable in the rotation axis direction (direction along the rotation axis RA) of the rotation unit 320. The processing device includes a locking mechanism that can control the performance on the basis of the position of the operation unit in the rotation axis direction and that switches the state of the operation unit between a locked state in which movement of the operation unit in the rotation axis direction is restricted and an unlocked state in which the restriction on movement of the operation unit in the rotation axis direction is cancelled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] One gaming machine is a pachinko machine that uses gaming balls. In such a gaming machine, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a handle is provided as an operating unit used to operate the gaming balls. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-065793 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, further proposals for improving the entertainment value of gaming machines are desired.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is used to operate the launch of gaming balls and comprises an operating unit having a rotatable rotating part, and a processing device that controls the presentation, wherein the operating unit is movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating part, the processing device is capable of controlling the presentation based on the position of the operating unit in the direction of the rotation axis, and comprises a locking mechanism that switches the state of the operating unit between a locked state in which movement of the operating unit in the direction of the rotation axis is restricted, and an unlocked state in which restriction on movement of the operating unit in the direction of the rotation axis is released.

[0007] The minimum distance in the rotation axis direction between the operating unit and a member located around the operating unit and facing the operating unit in the rotation axis direction may be equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball.

[0008] The gaming ball may be capable of being launched during the switching from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0009] When a predetermined effect occurs, it may be possible to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0010] When a rotation angle of the rotation portion reaches or exceeds a predetermined angle, the locked state may be switched to the unlocked state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a top view of the handle and mounting unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the handle and mounting unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view including the rotation axis of the handle. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a push-in engagement portion of the handle. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a push-in engagement portion of the handle. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the handle when a pushing operation is performed. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a retraction engagement portion of the handle. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a retraction engagement portion of the handle. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the handle when a retracting operation is performed. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a top view of a handle and a mounting unit according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the rotation axis of the handle. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the rotation axis of the handle. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a top view showing an unlocked state of the handle according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0014] In the following, in each drawing, "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" refer to the upper, lower, left, and right directions, respectively, when the gaming machine 100 is viewed from the player's side, and "front" and "rear" refer to the front side (i.e., the front face) and rear side (i.e., the rear face), respectively, of the gaming machine 100. The direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and left-right direction of the gaming machine 100 corresponds to the front-rear direction of the gaming machine 100.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 100 is equipped with a front door 200. The front door 200 is disposed on the front side of a main body frame that holds a gaming board, and is rotatably attached to the main body frame. During play, the front door 200 is closed, and a transparent plate held by the front door 200 is approximately parallel to the gaming board. When performing maintenance on the gaming machine 100, the front door 200 is rotated forward and opened.

[0016] A handle 300 is provided on the lower right side of the front door 200. The handle 300 protrudes forward from the front door 200. The handle 300 corresponds to an operating part used for operating to launch gaming balls. The handle 300 is provided with a rotatable rotating part (see rotating part 320 in FIG. 3 etc. described later). A player can launch gaming balls by performing a launch operation to rotate the rotating part of the handle 300. Specifically, when the above-mentioned launch operation is performed, the launching mechanism launches gaming balls with a strength according to the rotation angle of the rotating part of the handle 300.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means that controls the progress of the game in the gaming machine 100. As shown in FIG.

[0018] The main control board 110 controls the basic operations of the game. This main control board 110 is equipped with a main CPU 110a, a main ROM 110b, and a main RAM 110c. The main CPU 110a reads out programs stored in the main ROM 110b and performs arithmetic processing based on input signals from each detection switch and timer, and also directly controls each device and display, or sends commands to other boards depending on the results of the arithmetic processing. The main RAM 110c functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the main CPU 110a.

[0019] In addition, a dispensing control board 120 and a sub-control board 130 are connected to the main control board 110.

[0020] The payout control board 120 controls the launching of game balls and the payout of prize balls. This payout control board 120 also has a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally.

[0021] A launch control circuit 120a is also connected to the payout control board 120 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. When the launch control circuit 120a receives launch control data from the payout control board 120, it authorizes launch. A touch sensor 140, which is provided on the handle 300 and detects when the player touches the handle 300, and an operation volume 150, which detects the angle at which the handle 300 is operated, are connected to the launch control circuit 120a. When signals are input from the touch sensor 140 and the operation volume 150, the launch control circuit 120a energizes a launch solenoid 160 provided on the game ball launcher to launch the game ball.

[0022] The sub-control board 130 mainly controls various effects during game play, standby, etc. The sub-control board 130 is equipped with a sub-CPU 130a, sub-ROM 130b, sub-RAM 130c, and RTC 130d, and is connected to the main control board 110 so that communication can be performed in one direction from the main control board 110 to the sub-control board 130. The sub-CPU 130a reads out programs stored in the sub-ROM 130b and performs arithmetic processing based on commands sent from the main control board 110, input signals from a timer, etc., and also controls the execution of effects. At this time, the sub-RAM 130c functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the sub-CPU 130a.

[0023] Specifically, the sub-control board 130 performs image display control to display images on each effect display unit. The sub-ROM 130b stores a large number of various image data to be displayed on each effect display unit, and the sub-CPU 130a reads the image data from the sub-ROM 130b to a VRAM (not shown) and controls the image display on each effect display unit.

[0024] The sub-control board 130 also controls the operation of the stage props and the lighting of the stage lighting device, as well as controls the output of sound from the sound output device. Furthermore, when an operation detection signal is input from each switch, it performs a predetermined process.

[0025] Each board is connected to a power supply board (not shown), and power is supplied to each board from a commercial power source via the power supply board. The power supply board is also provided with a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor. The RTC 130d provided on the sub-control board 130 receives power from this backup power supply and keeps track of the current time.

[0026] Of the boards described above, the sub-control board 130 corresponds to an example of a processing device according to the present invention. In addition, a push-in detection sensor 420, a pull-in detection sensor 430, and a rotation detection sensor 315, which will be described later, are connected to the sub-control board 130, and the detection results from these sensors are output to the sub-control board 130.

[0027] In the gaming machine 100 according to the embodiment, the enjoyment of the game can be improved by implementing some improvements to the handle 300. Such improvements will be described below.

[0028] Figure 3 is a top view of the handle 300 and mounting unit 400. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the handle 300 and mounting unit 400.

[0029] 3, the handle 300 is attached in an embedded state in the front door 200, and protrudes forward from the front surface F1 of the front door 200. The handle 300 is attached to the front door 200 via an attachment unit 400. The handle 300 has a base portion 310 and a rotating portion 320.

[0030] While the base unit 310 is not rotatable, the rotating unit 320 is rotatable. A player can launch a gaming ball by performing a launching operation that rotates a ring 322 of the rotating unit 320, which will be described later. The rotation axis RA of the rotating unit 320 extends from the front to the rear. Specifically, the rotation axis RA is inclined with respect to the front-to-rear direction of the gaming machine 100 when viewed from above. More specifically, the rotation axis RA is inclined to the left as it moves toward the rear. Hereinafter, the direction along the rotation axis RA will be referred to as the rotation axis direction.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows the initial state of the handle 300. In the initial state, a firing operation has not been performed, and no force to rotate the rotating part 320 is being applied to the rotating part 320. Specifically, the firing operation is an operation to rotate the rotating part 320 clockwise when viewed from the front. Here, a biasing force in a direction to rotate the rotating part 320 counterclockwise when viewed from the front is constantly acting on the rotating part 320. Therefore, when the firing operation is released, the handle 300 returns to the initial state.

[0032] In this specification, the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 refers to the angle by which the rotation unit 320 rotates in response to a firing operation, with the initial state as a reference. That is, in the initial state in which no firing operation has been performed, the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 is 0°. The rotation range of the rotation unit 320 is, for example, a range of approximately 100°. That is, the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 can be within the range from 0° to approximately 100°. When a firing operation is performed with the maximum amount of operation, the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 is approximately 100°.

[0033] As will be described later, the base unit 310 and the rotating unit 320 can move integrally in the direction of the rotation axis in certain cases. That is, the handle 300 can move in the direction of the rotation axis in certain cases. Therefore, when the handle 300 is movable in the direction of the rotation axis, the player can move the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis by performing an operation that applies a force to the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis. Specifically, the player can perform such operations as a pushing operation that pushes the handle 300 rearward and a pulling operation that pulls the handle 300 forward. In the gaming machine 100, the sub-control board 130 controls the presentation in response to the pushing operation or the pulling operation, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the game.

[0034] 4, the base part 310 includes a rear case 311, a front case 312, and a shaft 313. The rear case 311 and the front case 312 form the outer shape of most of the handle 300. A space is formed inside the rear case 311 and the front case 312, and as will be described later, some components of the handle 300 and the attachment unit 400 are housed in this space.

[0035] The rear case 311 is located rearward of the front case 312. The rear end of the front case 312 is connected to the front end of the rear case 311. The rear portion of the rear case 311 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape parallel to the rotation axis RA. The front portion of the rear case 311 is formed in a generally hemispherical shape with its center on the rotation axis RA. The rear portion of the front case 312 is formed in a generally hemispherical shape with its center on the rotation axis RA. When the front portion of the rear case 311 and the rear portion of the front case 312 are viewed together, they have a generally spherical shape.

[0036] The shaft 313 protrudes rearward from the rear case 311 in the direction of the rotation axis. A push-in detection protrusion 313a and a retraction detection protrusion 313b are provided at the tip end (i.e., the rear end) of the shaft 313. The push-in detection protrusion 313a protrudes rearward from the tip end of the shaft 313. The push-in detection protrusion 313a is provided to detect a push-in operation. The retraction detection protrusion 313b protrudes radially outward from the tip end of the shaft 313. The retraction detection protrusion 313b is provided to detect a retraction operation.

[0037] 4, the rotating part 320 includes a shaft 321, a ring 322, a push-in engagement part 323, and a pull-in engagement part 324. The shaft 321 is disposed coaxially with the rotation axis RA and extends in the direction of the rotation axis. The ring 322 is attached to the front end of the shaft 321. The ring 322 is formed in a substantially annular shape centered on the rotation axis RA.

[0038] The pushing engagement portion 323 is provided on the front side of the shaft 321. As will be described later, the pushing operation is only possible in specific cases. The pushing engagement portion 323 is provided to switch between a state in which the pushing operation is possible and a state in which the pushing operation is not possible. The retracting engagement portion 324 is provided on the rear side of the shaft 321. As will be described later, the retracting operation is only possible in specific cases. The retracting engagement portion 324 is provided to switch between a state in which the retracting operation is possible and a state in which the retracting operation is not possible.

[0039] 4, the attachment unit 400 includes a base portion 410, a push-in detection sensor 420, and a pull-in detection sensor 430. The base portion 410 has a first flat plate portion 411, a second flat plate portion 412, and a cylindrical portion 413.

[0040] The first flat plate portion 411 extends on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis RA. The right and left ends of the first flat plate portion 411 are bent toward the center. The second flat plate portion 412 protrudes rearward from the first flat plate portion 411 in the rotation axis direction. The second flat plate portion 412 extends in the rotation axis direction and in the up-down direction. The cylindrical portion 413 is disposed coaxially with the rotation axis RA and extends in the rotation axis direction. The cylindrical portion 413 penetrates the first flat plate portion 411 in the rotation axis direction. In the rotation axis direction, the portion of the cylindrical portion 413 forward of the first flat plate portion 411 is longer than the portion of the cylindrical portion 413 rearward of the first flat plate portion 411.

[0041] The push-in detection sensor 420 is attached to the second flat plate portion 412. The push-in detection sensor 420 is provided to detect a push-in operation. The pull-in detection sensor 430 is attached to the first flat plate portion 411. The pull-in detection sensor 430 is provided to detect a pull-in operation.

[0042] Hereinafter, the connection relationship between the members of the handle 300 and the attachment unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0043] 5 is a cross-sectional view including the rotation axis RA of the handle 300. Specifically, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the handle 300 and the attachment unit 400 as viewed in the direction of arrow A1 in Fig. 3.

[0044] 5, the first flat plate portion 411 of the mounting unit 400 is provided with a through-hole 414 that passes through the first flat plate portion 411 in the rotation axis direction. The through-hole 414 is located below the cylindrical portion 413. The shaft 313 of the base portion 310 is inserted into this through-hole 414. The front end of the shaft 313 is attached inside the rear case 311. The rear end of the shaft 313 is located rearward of the first flat plate portion 411.

[0045] The shaft 313 is covered by a spring S1 on the front side of the first flat plate portion 411. The spring S1 is expandable and contractible in the direction of the rotation axis. The front end of the spring S1 abuts against a part of the rear case 311. The rear end of the spring S1 abuts against the front surface of the first flat plate portion 411. The shaft 313 is covered by a spring S2 on the rear side of the first flat plate portion 411. The spring S2 is expandable and contractible in the direction of the rotation axis. The front end of the spring S2 abuts against the rear surface of the first flat plate portion 411. The rear end of the spring S2 abuts against a step portion 313c formed at the rear end of the shaft 313. Note that the springs S1 and S2 may be replaced with other biasing members.

[0046] In the initial state, for example, the lengths of springs S1 and S2 are at their natural lengths. For example, when a pushing operation is performed and the base unit 310 moves rearward relative to its initial front-to-rear position, spring S1 contracts relative to its natural length, and spring S2 expands relative to its natural length. As a result, a biasing force that biases the base unit 310 forward is generated by springs S1 and S2. Therefore, when the pushing operation by the player is released, the biasing force generated by springs S1 and S2 returns the handle 300 to its initial front-to-rear position. On the other hand, when a pulling operation is performed and the base unit 310 moves forward relative to its initial front-to-rear position, spring S1 expands relative to its natural length, and spring S2 contracts relative to its natural length. As a result, a biasing force that biases the base unit 310 rearward is generated by springs S1 and S2. Therefore, when the player releases the pulling operation, the handle 300 returns to its initial forward and backward position due to the biasing forces generated by the springs S1 and S2.

[0047] The ring 322 of the rotating part 320 is disposed between the front case 312 and the rear case 311. The ring 322 is close to the front case 312 and the rear case 311 and faces the front case 312 and the rear case 311 in the direction of the rotation axis. The outer diameter of the ring 322 is longer than the outer diameters of the front case 312 and the rear case 311. This makes it easy for a player to hold the ring 322 in their hand.

[0048] The shaft 321 of the rotating part 320 is inserted into the cylindrical part 413 of the mounting unit 400. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 321 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part 413. The cylindrical part 413 guides the rotation of the shaft 321 around the rotation axis RA and also guides the movement of the shaft 321 in the rotation axis direction. For example, when a firing operation is performed and the ring 322 rotates, the shaft 321 rotates integrally with the ring 322. At this time, the shaft 321 rotates around the rotation axis RA within the cylindrical part 413. Furthermore, for example, when a pushing operation or a pulling operation is performed, the shaft 321 moves integrally with the ring 322 in the rotation axis direction. At this time, the shaft 321 slides within the cylindrical part 413 in the rotation axis direction.

[0049] The pushing engagement portion 323 is disposed coaxially with the rotation axis RA and is formed in a generally cylindrical shape extending in the direction of the rotation axis. The pushing engagement portion 323 is attached to the shaft 321 and moves integrally with the shaft 321. The rear end of the pushing engagement portion 323 faces the front end of the cylindrical portion 413 in the direction of the rotation axis. The pulling engagement portion 324 is disposed coaxially with the rotation axis RA and extends in the direction of the rotation axis, and is formed in a generally cylindrical shape having a bottom at its rear end. The pulling engagement portion 324 is attached to the shaft 321 and moves integrally with the shaft 321. The front end of the pulling engagement portion 324 faces the rear end of the cylindrical portion 413 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0050] As described above, the pushing operation and the pulling operation can be performed only in specific cases. In other words, in the gaming machine 100, the state of the handle 300 can be switched between a locked state in which movement of the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis is restricted, and an unlocked state in which the restriction on movement of the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis is released. The locking mechanism that switches the state of the handle 300 between the locked state and the unlocked state will be described below.

[0051] 6 and 7 are perspective views of the vicinity of push-in engagement portion 323 of handle 300. Specifically, Fig. 6 shows the initial state in which no firing operation has been performed (i.e., the state in which the rotation angle of rotating portion 320 is 0°). On the other hand, Fig. 7 shows the state in which a firing operation has been performed with the maximum amount of operation (i.e., the state in which the rotation angle of rotating portion 320 is approximately 100°).

[0052] 6 and 7, a protrusion 323a protruding rearward is provided at the rear end of the push-in engagement portion 323 of the rotating portion 320. For example, two protrusions 323a are provided at equal intervals (i.e., at 180° intervals) in the circumferential direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the circumferential direction) about the rotation axis RA. The number of protrusions 323a may be one, or three or more. Alternatively, multiple protrusions 323a may be provided at unequal intervals.

[0053] 6 and 7, the front end of the cylindrical portion 413 of the mounting unit 400 is provided with recessed portions 413a recessed toward the rear. For example, two recessed portions 413a are provided at equal intervals (i.e., at 180° intervals) in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis RA. The number of recessed portions 413a only needs to match the number of protrusions 323a, and may be one, three, or more. The positional relationship between the recessed portions 413a only needs to match the positional relationship between the protrusions 323a, and multiple recessed portions 413a may be provided at unequal intervals.

[0054] 6, in the initial state, the position of the protrusion 323a (specifically, the center position of the protrusion 323a in the circumferential direction) does not coincide with the position of the recess 413a (specifically, the center position of the recess 413a in the circumferential direction). The rear end of the protrusion 323a abuts against a portion of the front end of the cylindrical portion 413 where the recess 413a is not provided. This restricts rearward movement of the handle 300.

[0055] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when a firing operation is performed with the maximum amount of operation, the position of protrusion 323a (specifically, the center position of protrusion 323a in the circumferential direction) and the position of depression 413a (specifically, the center position of depression 413a in the circumferential direction) coincide in the circumferential direction. Here, depression 413a is longer than protrusion 323a in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when a firing operation is performed with the maximum amount of operation, the entire protrusion 323a faces depression 413a in the rotation axis direction. This releases the restriction on rearward movement of handle 300.

[0056] Fig. 8 is a top view showing the handle 300 when a pushing operation is performed. As described above, in the gaming machine 100, when a firing operation is performed with the maximum amount of operation, the restriction on the rearward movement of the handle 300 is released. In this state, when the player performs a pushing operation (i.e., an operation of pushing the handle 300 rearward), the protrusion 323a engages with the recess 413a, resulting in the state shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 8, when a pushing operation is performed, the push-detection protrusion 313a provided at the tip of the shaft 313 of the base part 310 moves near the push-detection sensor 420 of the attachment unit 400 and is detected by the push-detection sensor 420.

[0057] For example, press-in detection sensor 420 is a transmission-type photosensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and can detect the presence of an object when the object is positioned between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element and the light emitted from the light-emitting element is blocked. In this case, when a press-in operation is performed, press-in detection protrusion 313a moves between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of press-in detection sensor 420, and press-in detection sensor 420 detects press-in detection protrusion 313a, thereby detecting that a press-in operation is being performed.

[0058] Here, the front door 200 is positioned around the handle 300 as a member facing the handle 300 in the rotation axis direction. The distance L1 in the rotation axis direction between the handle 300 and the front door 200 is minimum when a pushing operation is being performed. The minimum distance in the rotation axis direction between the handle 300 and the front door 200 (i.e., the distance L1 when a pushing operation is being performed) is equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball (i.e., 11 mm or greater). This prevents a gaming ball from getting caught between the handle 300 and the front door 200 when a pushing operation is being performed, thereby reducing damage to the gaming machine 100. Furthermore, under the above-mentioned circumstances, it is possible to prevent a player's fingers from getting caught between the handle 300 and the front door 200, thereby improving safety. Furthermore, under the above-mentioned circumstances, a large space is secured between the handle 300 and the front door 200, so even if a player's hand holding the handle 300 moves, the hand is less likely to hit the front door 200. Also, under the above circumstances, the player does not need to worry about his / her hand hitting the front door 200, making it easier to grip the handle 300.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, side surfaces F2 and F3 are formed at both circumferential ends of the recess 413a. Specifically, side surface F2 is formed at the clockwise end of the recess 413a as viewed from the front, and side surface F3 is formed at the counterclockwise end of the recess 413a as viewed from the front. The normal direction of side surface F2 coincides with the circumferential direction, while the normal direction of side surface F3 is inclined relative to the circumferential direction. Specifically, the rear end of side surface F3 (i.e., the end of the bottom of the recess 413a) is located on the clockwise side of the front end of side surface F3 as viewed from the front. As a result, when the protrusion 323a of the push-in engagement portion 323 of the rotation portion 320 rotates clockwise as viewed from the front during a firing operation, the protrusion 323a can be smoothly fitted into the recess 413a along the side surface F3.

[0060] 9 and 10 are perspective views of the vicinity of retraction engagement portion 324 of handle 300. Specifically, Fig. 9 shows the initial state in which no firing operation has been performed (i.e., the state in which the rotation angle of rotating portion 320 is 0°). On the other hand, Fig. 10 shows the state in which a firing operation has been performed with the maximum amount of operation (i.e., the state in which the rotation angle of rotating portion 320 is approximately 100°).

[0061] 9 and 10, a protrusion 324a that protrudes forward is provided at the front end of the retraction engagement portion 324 of the rotating portion 320. For example, two protrusions 324a are provided at equal intervals (i.e., at 180° intervals) in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis RA. The number of protrusions 324a may be one, or three or more. Alternatively, multiple protrusions 324a may be provided at unequal intervals.

[0062] 9 and 10, the rear end of the cylindrical portion 413 of the mounting unit 400 is provided with recesses 413b recessed toward the front. For example, two recesses 413b are provided at equal intervals (i.e., at 180° intervals) in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis RA. The number of recesses 413b only needs to match the number of protrusions 324a, and may be one, three, or more. The positional relationship between the recesses 413b only needs to match the positional relationship between the protrusions 324a, and multiple recesses 413b may be provided at unequal intervals.

[0063] 9, in the initial state, the position of the protrusion 324a (specifically, the center position of the protrusion 324a in the circumferential direction) does not coincide with the position of the recess 413b (specifically, the center position of the recess 413b in the circumferential direction). The front end of the protrusion 324a abuts against a portion of the rear end of the cylindrical portion 413 where the recess 413b is not provided. This restricts the forward movement of the handle 300.

[0064] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when a firing operation is performed with the maximum amount of operation, the position of protrusion 324a (specifically, the center position of protrusion 324a in the circumferential direction) and the position of depression 413b (specifically, the center position of depression 413b in the circumferential direction) coincide in the circumferential direction. Here, depression 413b is longer in the circumferential direction than protrusion 324a. Therefore, when a firing operation is performed with the maximum amount of operation, the entire protrusion 324a faces depression 413b in the rotation axis direction. This releases the restriction on the forward movement of handle 300.

[0065] Fig. 11 is a top view showing the handle 300 when a retracting operation is performed. As described above, in the gaming machine 100, when a firing operation is performed with the maximum operation amount, the restriction on the forward movement of the handle 300 is released. In this state, when the player performs a retracting operation (i.e., an operation to retract the handle 300 forward), the protrusion 324a engages with the recess 413b, resulting in the state shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, when a retracting operation is performed, the retraction detection protrusion 313b provided at the tip of the shaft 313 of the base part 310 moves near the retraction detection sensor 430 of the attachment unit 400 and is detected by the retraction detection sensor 430.

[0066] For example, retraction detection sensor 430 is a transmission type photosensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and can detect the presence of an object when the object is positioned between the light emitting element and the light receiving element and the light emitted from the light emitting element is blocked. In this case, when a retraction operation is performed, retraction detection protrusion 313b moves between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of retraction detection sensor 430, and retraction detection sensor 430 detects retraction detection protrusion 313b and detects that a retraction operation is being performed.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, side surfaces F4 and F5 are formed at both circumferential ends of the recess 413b. Specifically, side surface F4 is formed at the clockwise end of the recess 413b as viewed from the rear, and side surface F5 is formed at the counterclockwise end of the recess 413b as viewed from the rear. The normal direction of side surface F5 coincides with the circumferential direction, while the normal direction of side surface F4 is inclined relative to the circumferential direction. Specifically, the front end of side surface F4 (i.e., the bottom end of the recess 413b) is located counterclockwise relative to the rear end of side surface F4 as viewed from the rear. This allows the protrusion 324a of the retraction engagement portion 324 of the rotation portion 320 to smoothly fit into the recess 413b along side surface F4 when rotating counterclockwise as viewed from the rear during a firing operation.

[0068] As described above, in the gaming machine 100, the push-in engagement portion 323, the recessed portion 413a, the pull-in engagement portion 324, and the recessed portion 413b switch the state of the handle 300 between a locked state, in which movement of the handle 300 in the direction of its rotation axis is restricted, and an unlocked state, in which restriction on movement of the handle 300 in the direction of its rotation axis is released. In other words, the mechanism including the push-in engagement portion 323, the recessed portion 413a, the pull-in engagement portion 324, and the recessed portion 413b corresponds to a locking mechanism that switches the state of the handle 300 between the locked state and the unlocked state. In this example, compared to the gaming machine 100A according to the modified example described below, no additional electrical control components are required, making it easier to prevent the device from becoming larger.

[0069] In the gaming machine 100, the state of the handle 300 is switched between a locked state and an unlocked state by a locking mechanism, so that the pushing operation and the pulling operation can be performed only in specific cases (in the above example, when the firing operation is performed with the maximum amount of operation).The sub-control board 130 can control the presentation in response to the pushing operation or the pulling operation.

[0070] The sub-control board 130 can control the effects based on the position of the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis. For example, the sub-control board 130 may perform a specific effect when the push-in detection sensor 420 detects a push-in operation (i.e., when it is detected that the handle 300 is positioned in the direction of the rotation axis as shown in FIG. 8). Furthermore, the sub-control board 130 may perform a specific effect when the pull-in detection sensor 430 detects a pull-in operation (i.e., when it is detected that the handle 300 is positioned in the direction of the rotation axis as shown in FIG. 11). Note that the specific effect may include, for example, all of the effects based on image display, lighting of a lighting device, sound output, and operation of a prop, or only any part of these effects may be performed.

[0071] As described above, by making it possible to perform the pushing and pulling operations only in specific cases and by making it possible to control the effects based on the position of the rotation axis direction of the handle 300, the player can start or change the effects by performing the pushing or pulling operations in specific cases, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[0072] In addition, by restricting the movement of the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis in cases other than specific cases (in the above example, when the firing operation is not performed with the maximum amount of operation), it is possible to prevent a decrease in the operability of the handle 300 and, ultimately, a decrease in playability in cases other than specific cases.

[0073] As described above, in the gaming machine 100, the launch of a gaming ball is controlled solely in response to the launch operation of rotating the rotating portion 320 of the handle 300. Specifically, the launch of a gaming ball is enabled when the launch operation is being performed, and disabled when the launch operation is not being performed. Therefore, whether or not the launch of a gaming ball is possible does not depend on the switching of the state of the handle 300 between the locked state and the unlocked state. For example, in the above example, the launch of a gaming ball is possible during the switch from the locked state to the unlocked state. Furthermore, whether or not the launch of a gaming ball is possible does not depend on whether a push-in operation or a pull-in operation is being performed. For example, in the above example, the state of the handle 300 is unlocked, and the launch of a gaming ball is possible when a push-in operation or a pull-in operation is being performed. In other words, in the unlocked state, the launch of a gaming ball is not stopped by the push-in operation or the pull-in operation.

[0074] As described above, the gaming machine 100 includes the handle 300, which is an operation unit having a rotatable rotation unit 320 and is used to launch gaming balls, and a processing device (in the above example, the sub-control board 130) that controls the effects. The handle 300 is movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation unit 320, and the processing device can control the effects based on the position of the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis. The gaming machine 100 also includes a locking mechanism (in the above example, a mechanism including the push-in engaging portion 323, the recessed portion 413a, the pull-in engaging portion 324, and the recessed portion 413b) that switches the state of the handle 300 between a locked state in which movement of the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis is restricted and an unlocked state in which the restriction on movement of the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis is released. This allows the player to start or change effects by performing a push-in operation or a pull-in operation in specific cases, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above example, in the gaming machine 100, the minimum distance in the rotation axis direction between the handle 300 and a member (in the above example, the front door 200) located around the handle 300 and facing the handle 300 in the rotation axis direction is equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball. This prevents a gaming ball from getting caught between the handle 300 and the member when a pushing operation is performed that minimizes the distance in the rotation axis direction between the handle 300 and the member, thereby reducing damage to the gaming machine 100. Furthermore, in the above situation, it prevents a player's fingers from getting caught between the handle 300 and the member, thereby improving safety. Furthermore, since a large space is secured between the handle 300 and the member, even if a player's hand gripping the handle 300 moves, the player's hand is less likely to hit the member. Furthermore, in the above situation, the player does not need to worry about their hand hitting the member, making it easier to grip the handle 300.

[0076] The minimum distance in the rotation axis direction between the handle 300 and the above-mentioned member may be less than the diameter of the game ball.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above example, in the gaming machine 100, gaming balls can be launched while switching from the locked state to the unlocked state. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in playability due to the suspension of gaming ball launch when switching from the locked state to the unlocked state. For example, in the above example, the state is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state while the launch operation is being performed and gaming balls are being launched. When such a switch is made, the suspension of gaming ball launch can be prevented by allowing gaming balls to be launched.

[0078] During the switching from the locked state to the unlocked state, there may be a period (for example, a very short period) during which it is impossible to shoot the game ball.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above example, when the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 in the gaming machine 100 reaches a predetermined angle or more, the state is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. For example, in the above example, when the amount of operation of the firing operation reaches a maximum (i.e., when the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 reaches a predetermined angle or more that is smaller than the maximum value), the state is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. This allows the player to start or change the presentation by performing a push-in operation or a pull-in operation when the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 reaches a predetermined angle or more. This can more effectively increase the enjoyment of the game.

[0080] However, when the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 becomes an angle different from the above example, the state may be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0081] As will be described later, the condition for switching from the locked state to the unlocked state may be a condition other than the condition that the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle.

[0082] Hereinafter, a gaming machine 100A according to a modified example in which a locking mechanism different from the mechanism described above is employed will be described.

[0083] 12 is a top view of a handle 300 and an attachment unit 400 according to a modified example. The gaming machine 100A according to the modified example differs from the gaming machine 100 described above in that the handle 300 and the attachment unit 400 do not include a locking mechanism including the push-in engagement portion 323, the recessed portion 413a, the pull-in engagement portion 324, and the recessed portion 413b. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 12, the gaming machine 100A according to the modified example differs from the gaming machine 100 described above in that a solenoid locking mechanism 500 is added. The solenoid locking mechanism 500 is housed, for example, inside the front door 200.

[0084] 12, the solenoid lock mechanism 500 has an engagement portion 510. The engagement portion 510 is capable of engaging with a ring 314 provided on the rear case 311 of the base portion 310 of the handle 300.

[0085] Ring 314 is provided in a substantially cylindrical portion of rear case 311. Ring 314 is formed in a substantially annular shape and is fitted to the outer periphery of rear case 311. The diameter of ring 314 is longer than the diameter of the portion of rear case 311 where ring 314 is provided.

[0086] The engaging portion 510 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the radial direction of the ring 314. The engaging portion 510 faces the ring 314 in the radial direction. A groove 511 is formed in the tip of the engaging portion 510 (i.e., the portion facing the ring 314). As a result, the engaging portion 510 has a generally U-shape when viewed from above, for example.

[0087] The solenoid locking mechanism 500 can move the engaging portion 510 in the radial direction of the ring 314. The operation of the solenoid locking mechanism 500 is controlled by an electric signal. Specifically, the operation of the solenoid locking mechanism 500 is controlled in response to a control command output from the sub-control board 130.

[0088] 12 shows a state in which the engaging portion 510 is engaged with the ring 314. As shown in FIG. 12, the engaging portion 510 moves toward the ring 314, so that the ring 314 fits into the groove portion 511 of the engaging portion 510. This restricts the forward and rearward movement of the handle 300. In other words, the state in FIG. 12 corresponds to a locked state in which the movement of the handle 300 in the rotation axis direction is restricted.

[0089] 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views perpendicular to the rotation axis RA of the handle 300. Specifically, FIGS. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views showing the A2-A2 cross section of FIG. 12. FIG. 13 shows the initial state in which no firing operation has been performed (i.e., the state in which the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 is 0°). On the other hand, FIG. 14 shows the state in which the firing operation has been performed with the maximum amount of operation (i.e., the state in which the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 is approximately 100°).

[0090] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, base unit 310 is provided with rotation detection sensor 315. Rotation detection sensor 315 is provided to detect a firing operation at the maximum operation amount. For example, rotation detection sensor 315 is a transmission-type photosensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and can detect the presence of an object when the object is positioned between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element and the light emitted from the light-emitting element is blocked. Note that rotation detection sensor 315 can be attached to front case 312 of base unit 310, for example.

[0091] 13 and 14, ring 322 of rotating unit 320 is provided with rotation detection protrusion 325. Rotation detection protrusion 325 protrudes, for example, forward from a portion of ring 322 that is housed in base unit 310. Rotation detection protrusion 325 is provided to detect a firing operation at the maximum operation amount. In the radial direction about rotation axis RA, rotation detection protrusion 325 is located between the light-emitting element and light-receiving element of rotation detection sensor 315.

[0092] 13, in the initial state, the position of rotation detection protrusion 325 (specifically, the center position of rotation detection protrusion 325 in the circumferential direction) does not coincide with the position of rotation detection sensor 315 (specifically, the center position of rotation detection sensor 315 in the circumferential direction) in the circumferential direction about rotation axis RA. Therefore, rotation detection sensor 315 does not detect rotation detection protrusion 325.

[0093] 14, when a firing operation is performed with the maximum amount of operation, the position of rotation detection protrusion 325 in the circumferential direction (specifically, the center position of rotation detection protrusion 325 in the circumferential direction) and the position of rotation detection sensor 315 (specifically, the center position of rotation detection sensor 315 in the circumferential direction) coincide with each other. Therefore, rotation detection sensor 315 detects rotation detection protrusion 325, and detects that a firing operation with the maximum amount of operation is being performed.

[0094] In the gaming machine 100A according to the modified example, the sub-control board 130 controls the operation of the solenoid lock mechanism 500 so that the engagement portion 510 moves in a direction away from the ring 314 when, for example, the rotation detection sensor 315 detects the rotation detection protrusion 325 and detects that a firing operation is being performed with the maximum operating amount.

[0095] Figure 15 is a top view showing the unlocked state of handle 300 according to the modified example. As described above, when a firing operation with the maximum operation amount is detected and the operation of solenoid lock mechanism 500 is controlled so that engaging portion 510 moves in a direction away from ring 314, the state shown in Figure 15 is achieved. As shown in Figure 15, when engaging portion 510 moves away from ring 314, the state in which ring 314 is fitted into groove portion 511 of engaging portion 510 is released. This releases the restriction on forward and rearward movement of handle 300.

[0096] 15, when the player performs a push operation, the handle 300 moves backward, and as in the example of Fig. 8 described above, the push detection protrusion 313a is detected by the push detection sensor 420. On the other hand, when the player performs a pull operation in the state of Fig. 15, the handle 300 moves forward, and as in the example of Fig. 11 described above, the pull detection protrusion 313b is detected by the pull detection sensor 430.

[0097] When the handle 300 is in the unlocked state, the sub-control board 130 controls the operation of the solenoid lock mechanism 500 so that the handle 300 is locked, for example, when a predetermined termination condition is met and the pushing or pulling operation is released, causing the position of the handle 300 in the rotation axis direction to return to the same position as in the initial state. The predetermined termination condition is, for example, a condition in which a predetermined time has elapsed since the state was switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0098] As described above, in the gaming machine 100A, the solenoid locking mechanism 500 corresponds to a locking mechanism that switches the state of the handle 300 between a locked state and an unlocked state. In this example, compared to the gaming machine 100 described above, the conditions for switching between the locked state and the unlocked state can be set by software, which improves the degree of freedom in the timing of switching between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0099] Similar to the gaming machine 100 described above, the sub-control board 130 can control the effects based on the position of the handle 300 in the rotation axis direction. For example, the sub-control board 130 may perform a specific effect when a push-in operation is detected by the push-in detection sensor 420. Also, for example, the sub-control board 130 may perform a specific effect when a pull-in operation is detected by the pull-in detection sensor 430.

[0100] As described above, the gaming machine 100A, like the gaming machine 100 described above, includes a handle 300, which is an operation unit used to launch gaming balls and has a rotatable rotation unit 320, and a processing device (in the above example, the sub-control board 130) that controls the effects. The handle 300 is movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation unit 320, and the processing device can control the effects based on the position of the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis. The gaming machine 100 also includes a locking mechanism (in the above example, the solenoid locking mechanism 500) that switches the state of the handle 300 between a locked state in which movement of the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis is restricted and an unlocked state in which the restriction on movement of the handle 300 in the direction of the rotation axis is released. This allows the player to start or change the effects by performing a pushing operation or a pulling operation in specific cases, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[0101] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 100A, similar to the gaming machine 100 described above, the minimum distance in the rotation axis direction between the handle 300 and a member (in the above example, the front door 200) located around the handle 300 and facing the handle 300 in the rotation axis direction may be greater than or equal to the diameter of a gaming ball.

[0102] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 100A, similarly to the gaming machine 100 described above, it may be possible to launch gaming balls during the switching from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above example, in the gaming machine 100A, when the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the gaming machine 100A switches from the locked state to the unlocked state, similar to the gaming machine 100 described above. However, similar to the gaming machine 100 described above, the gaming machine 100A may switch from the locked state to the unlocked state when the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 becomes an angle different from that in the above example.

[0104] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 100A, as described above, the condition for switching between the locked state and the unlocked state can be set by software. Therefore, in the gaming machine 100A, the condition for switching from the locked state to the unlocked state may be a condition other than the condition that the rotation angle of the rotation part 320 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined angle.

[0105] For example, the sub-control board 130 may control the operation of the solenoid lock mechanism 500 so that the state of the handle 300 switches from a locked state to an unlocked state when a predetermined effect occurs. In this way, it may be possible to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state when a predetermined effect occurs. This allows the player to change the effect by performing a pushing operation or a pulling operation when a predetermined effect occurs. This can more effectively increase the enjoyment of the game.

[0106] The condition for switching from the locked state to the unlocked state may be that multiple conditions are satisfied. For example, the condition for switching from the locked state to the unlocked state may be that the rotation angle of the rotation unit 320 is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle and a predetermined effect is generated.

[0107] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0108] For example, in the above example, in the unlocked state, the handle 300 can move in both the rearward direction (i.e., movement associated with a pushing operation) and the forward direction (i.e., movement associated with a pulling operation) in the rotation axis direction. However, in the unlocked state, the handle 300 may only be able to move in either the rearward direction or the forward direction in the rotation axis direction. In that case, the player can only perform either the pushing operation or the pulling operation.

[0109] In the above example, the movement of the handle 300 in the rotation axis direction is performed by the player. However, the movement of the handle 300 in the rotation axis direction may be performed by an actuator such as a motor. Furthermore, the actuator may vibrate the handle 300. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 100 gaming machines 100A Gaming Machine 130 Sub-control board (processing device) 200 Front door (component) 300 Handle (operating part) 320 Rotating part 323 Push-in engagement part (locking mechanism) 324 Retraction engagement part (locking mechanism) 413a Recess (locking mechanism) 413b Recessed portion (locking mechanism) 500 Solenoid lock mechanism (lock mechanism) RA rotation axis

Claims

1. an operating unit that is used for operating to launch the game ball and has a rotatable rotating part; a processing device for controlling the performance; Equipped with the operating unit is movable in a rotation axis direction of the rotating unit, the processing device is capable of controlling the performance based on a position of the operation unit in the rotation axis direction, A gaming machine characterized by having a locking mechanism that switches the state of the operating unit between a locked state in which movement of the operating unit in the direction of the rotation axis is restricted, and an unlocked state in which restriction on movement of the operating unit in the direction of the rotation axis is released.

2. The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that the minimum distance in the rotation axis direction between the operating unit and a member located around the operating unit and facing the operating unit in the rotation axis direction is greater than or equal to the diameter of the gaming ball.

3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming ball can be launched during switching from the locked state to the unlocked state.

4. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the locked state can be switched to the unlocked state when a predetermined effect occurs.

5. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the rotation angle of the rotation portion reaches a predetermined angle or more, the locked state is switched to the unlocked state.

Images