Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine allowing one to enjoy playing a game more at ease by inactivating viruses adhering to an operation surface without depending on a human disinfection work.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 includes: a push button 20 that appears by an opening; a lifting mechanism part 51 for lifting the push button; a shutter 31 for blocking the opening; a shutter mechanism part for opening or closing the shutter; an ultraviolet ray irradiation part 40 that is disposed on the back of the shutter, has an operation surface of the push button in a closed state of the shutter, and has a light source for emitting rays for inactivating viruses; and a control device 70. The control device lowers the push button when an event for triggering execution of disinfection operation occurs, closes the shutter, lights up the light source for predetermined time, and opens the shutter and raises the push button after the lighting is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine equipped with a push button. [Background technology]

[0002] Some gaming machines installed in gaming facilities such as casinos and game centers are equipped with push buttons (for example, Patent Document 1). Since such push buttons are operated by many players, there is a risk that viruses from the hands of the previous player may be attached to the operation surface of the push button. Therefore, in order for the next player to play without worrying about viruses adhering to the button, it is necessary for employees of the gaming facility to frequently disinfect the operation surface by applying disinfectants or the like. In this specification, "disinfection" is used as "inactivating attached viruses."

[0003] Conventionally, push buttons have also been made of a material containing an antibacterial agent (for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-214318 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-204560 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, frequent disinfection work increases the burden on employees, and disinfection using disinfectants has the problem of hastening the deterioration of the push button. In contrast, push buttons made of materials containing antibacterial agents do not require employees to disinfect, so they do not impose a burden on managers and the push buttons do not deteriorate due to disinfectants. However, compared to disinfection work performed by employees, they are less appealing to users, and users may be uneasy about the immediate effect of inactivating attached viruses and the disinfecting effect of materials containing antibacterial agents.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a gaming machine that can inactivate viruses attached to the operating surface without relying on manual disinfection work, allowing users to enjoy gaming with greater peace of mind. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0008] That is, an amusement machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a panel having a push button, an opening to reveal the push button, a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the push button, a shutter for covering the opening when closed, a shutter mechanism for opening and closing the shutter, a light beam irradiation unit arranged on the rear surface of the shutter and facing the operation surface of the push button when the shutter is closed, the light beam irradiation unit having a light source for emitting light beams that inactivate viruses, and a control device for controlling the lifting mechanism, the shutter mechanism and the light beam irradiation unit, wherein when an event occurs that triggers the execution of a disinfection operation using the light beams to inactivate viruses adhering to the operation surface, the control device lowers the push button, closes the shutter and then turns on the light source for a predetermined period of time, and after the light beams have been turned on, closes the shutter and raises the push button.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the push button is raised and lowered by the lifting mechanism, and appears from an opening formed in the panel when in the raised or lowered position. The shutter is opened and closed by the shutter mechanism, and when in the closed state, blocks the opening formed in the panel. A light beam irradiation unit is disposed on the rear surface of the shutter. The light beam irradiation unit includes a light source that emits light beams that inactivate viruses, and is disposed so as to face the operation surface of the push button when the shutter is in the closed state. The control device moves the push button to the lowered position when an event occurs that triggers the execution of a disinfection operation, closes the shutter when the push button moves to the lowered position, and turns on the light source for a predetermined period of time when the shutter is in the closed state.

[0010] This makes it possible to inactivate (disinfect) viruses attached to the operating surface with the light emitted from the light emitting unit without relying on manual disinfection work. Also, since the light is emitted while the push button is covered by the shutter, it is possible to prevent the light from leaking to the outside. Moreover, by providing a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the push button, the shutter can be configured as a flat shutter that slides on the back surface of the panel, which requires less installation space than a configuration in which the shutter has a three-dimensional shape that covers the push button.

[0011] In the push game machine according to the above aspect, the event that triggers the execution of the disinfection operation may be an operation that the game machine executes when a game ends. According to the above configuration, the disinfection of the operation surface can be executed by using the operation that the game machine executes when a game ends as a trigger.

[0012] In the push game machine according to the above aspect, the action executed by the game machine at the end of a game may be a ticket return action. According to the above configuration, the return of the ticket (voucher ticket) dispensed to the player at the end of a game can be used as a trigger to disinfect the operation surface.

[0013] In the push game machine according to the above aspect, the event that triggers the execution of the disinfection operation may be an operation that the player executes on the game machine to end the game on the game machine. According to the above configuration, the disinfection of the operation surface can be triggered by an operation that the player executes on the game machine to end the game at the end of the game, such as an operation to request the return of a voucher ticket.

[0014] In the push game machine according to the above aspect, the control device may be configured to close the shutter and raise the push button immediately after the light source is turned off. According to the above configuration, the push button can be made to appear immediately after the disinfection is completed, and the game machine can be put into a standby state.

[0015] In the push gaming machine relating to the above-mentioned aspect, the control device may be configured to close the shutter and raise the push button when an event occurs that triggers the appearance of the push button after the light source has finished lighting.

[0016] According to the above configuration, after disinfection is completed, the push button remains stored and is kept in a standby state until an event occurs that triggers the appearance of the push button. This allows the next player of the gaming machine to clearly recognize that the push button is a clean button that has been disinfected and has not been touched by anyone.

[0017] In the push game machine according to the above aspect, the event that triggers the appearance of the push button may be an operation that the player performs on the game machine to start playing on the game machine. According to the above configuration, the disinfected push button can be made to appear when the player performs an operation on the game machine to start playing at the start of a game, such as inserting a bill or a ticket.

[0018] In the push game machine according to the above aspect, the lifting mechanism may include a motor and a pantograph mechanism that uses the driving force of the motor to move a base on which the push button is mounted between a lowered position and an elevated position. According to the above configuration, the use of the pantograph mechanism increases the reduction ratio of the gear that transmits the driving force of the motor to the pantograph mechanism, and the push button protruding from the opening can be held in the elevated position even if a strong force is applied to the push button.

[0019] In the push game machine according to the above aspect, a command receiving unit may be provided for receiving a command to execute a disinfection operation for inactivating viruses adhering to the operation surface by the light beam at any timing. According to the above configuration, by providing the command receiving unit, the operation surface of the push button can be disinfected at any timing. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a gaming machine that can inactivate viruses attached to the operating surface without relying on manual disinfection work, allowing users to enjoy gaming with greater peace of mind. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment, showing a stored state in which a push button is stored and a normal state in which the push button is exposed. [Diagram 2] 1 is an oblique view of a push button unit mounted on a gaming machine according to an embodiment, showing a normal state in which the push button is exposed and a stored state in which the push button is stored. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of a front case of a push button unit mounted on a gaming machine according to an embodiment, with the shutter open. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of a front case of a push button unit mounted on a gaming machine according to an embodiment, with the shutter being closed. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of a rear case of a push button unit mounted on a gaming machine according to an embodiment, illustrating a lowered state in which the push button is in a lowered position. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of a rear case of a push button unit mounted on a gaming machine according to an embodiment, illustrating a raised state in which the push button is in a raised position. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is an enlarged view of a main portion of a push button unit mounted on a gaming machine according to an embodiment, where left and right shutters abut against each other. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the attachment of a timing belt and left and right sliders provided in a shutter mechanism section of a push button unit mounted on an amusement machine according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a push button in a push button unit mounted on the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a key portion showing the lowered and raised states of a pantograph mechanism provided in a lifting mechanism section of a push button unit mounted on an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing detection of the position of a push button by a third and a fourth photosensor in a push button unit mounted on the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a main sequence of a disinfection operation in a push button unit installed in an amusement machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a descent control sequence of a lifting mechanism in a push button unit mounted on the gaming machine of the embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a control sequence of a shutter unit in a push button unit mounted on the gaming machine of the embodiment. [Figure 16]13 is a flowchart showing a main sequence of a disinfection operation in a push button unit 10 mounted on a gaming machine according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present disclosure (hereinafter, also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a gaming machine such as a slot machine will be exemplified as one aspect of the gaming machine of the present disclosure.

[0023] §1 Examples of application First, an example of a situation in which the gaming machine 1 is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, showing a stored state in which the push button 20 is stored and a normal state in which the push button 20 is exposed. The diagram with reference numeral 1001 shows the stored state, and the diagram with reference numeral 1002 shows the normal state.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the gaming machine 1 has an operation panel 5 and push buttons 20 in an operation section 3 below a main display 2. In the gaming machine 1, the push button 20 is a button that is always operated in a game. For example, if the game executed in the gaming machine 1 is a slot machine game, the push button 20 is a spin button that rotates a spin. Therefore, the push button 20 is touched by the player much more frequently than the operation panel 5, and the operation surface 20a of the push button 20 is the place where viruses and the like are most likely to adhere.

[0025] The gaming machine 1 of the present disclosure has a function of disinfecting the operation surface 20a of the push button 20. Specifically, as shown in the diagram of reference numeral 2002 in Fig. 2, the push button unit 10 including the push button 20 has the push button 20 stored in a case 11, and the opening 14 is closed by a shutter 31. As shown in Fig. 4, a disinfection LED 41 is disposed on the back side of the shutter 31, and ultraviolet light is irradiated from the disinfection LED 41 to inactivate viruses adhering to the operation surface 20a of the push button 20.

[0026] This relieves employees from frequent disinfection work, and reduces the burden on employees. In addition, since no disinfectant is used, the operation surface 20a does not deteriorate due to the disinfectant, and the life of the push button 20 can be extended. In addition, by making the player aware that the operation surface 20a is being disinfected in the stored state, the player confirms that the push button 20 has been disinfected every time he sees the stored state. This makes it possible to strongly appeal to the player that the push button 20 has been disinfected, compared to a push button made of a material containing an antibacterial agent, and gives the player a sense of security due to the inactivation of viruses.

[0027] §2 Configuration example (1. Overview of Gaming Machine 1) As shown in FIG. 1, gaming machine 1 has a main display 2 provided at the top of cabinet 4 at a position at the player's eye level, and an operation unit 3 provided below main display 2. Operation unit 3 includes operation panel 5 made up of an LCD and a touch panel, and a push button unit 10 equipped with push buttons 20. In addition, between main display 2 and operation unit 3, there are provided an insertion slot 6 for inserting tickets or bills, and a payout outlet 7 for dispensing tickets. Tickets and bills inserted through insertion slot 6 are sent to ticket / bill processing unit 8, which will be described later. In addition, tickets dispensed from ticket payout unit 9 are discharged from payout outlet 7.

[0028] (2. Overview of the push button unit 10) 2 is a perspective view of the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, showing a normal state in which the push button 20 is exposed and a stored state in which the push button 20 is stored. The diagram with reference numeral 2001 shows the normal state, and the diagram with reference numeral 2002 shows the stored state.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the push button unit 10 includes a push button 20 and a case 11 that houses the push button 20. The case 11 has a box shape that is thin in the direction in which the push button 20 is pressed. The case 11 includes a front case 12 on which the operation surface of the push button 20 is located, and a back case 13 that serves as a base on which the push button 20 is installed. The push button unit 10 is installed in the operation section 3 (see FIG. 1), for example, so that the top surface of the front case 12 is flush with a design panel that surrounds the operation panel 5 (see FIG. 1). The top surface of the front case 12 corresponds to a panel in which an opening 14 is formed, through which the push button 20 in the push button unit 10 appears.

[0030] An opening 14 is formed in the case 11 to expose the push button 20. As shown in the diagram with reference numeral 2002, in the normal state, the push button 20 appears from the opening 14, and its operation surface 20a protrudes beyond the opening 14. On the other hand, as shown in the diagram with reference numeral 2002, in the stored state, the push button 20 is recessed inside the case 11, and the opening 14 is closed by a shutter 31.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of the front case 12 of the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, with the shutter 31 open. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the inside of the front case 12 of the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, with the shutter 31 closed.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a shutter unit 30 and a sensor unit 80 are disposed on the inside (rear side) of the front case 12. The shutter unit 30 includes a shutter 31 that closes the opening 14, a shutter mechanism section 32 that opens and closes the shutter 31, and an ultraviolet ray irradiation section (light ray irradiation section) 40 disposed on the rear side of the shutter 31. The ultraviolet ray irradiation section 40 irradiates ultraviolet rays as light rays that inactivate (disinfect) viruses adhering to the operation surface 20a of the push button 20, as will be described in detail later. The sensor unit 80 receives an external instruction to perform the disinfection operation of the operation surface 20a by the ultraviolet ray irradiation section 40.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the inside of the rear case 13 of the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, showing a lowered state where the push button 20 is in the lowered position. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the inside of the rear case 13 of the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, showing a raised state where the push button 20 is in the raised position.

[0034] 5 and 6, a lifting unit 50 is disposed inside (on the rear side) of rear case 13. Lifting unit 50 is provided with push button 20 and a lifting mechanism 51 that lifts and lowers push button 20.

[0035] (3. Configuration of Shutter Unit 30) First, we will explain the configuration of the shutter unit 30. As described above, the shutter unit 30 includes the shutter 31, the shutter mechanism section 32, and the ultraviolet ray irradiation section 40. These members that configure the shutter mechanism section 32 are unitized.

[0036] (3-1. Shutter 31 and Shutter Mechanism 32) As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the shutter 31 is slidably provided on the back surface of the front case 12. In this embodiment, the shutter 31 is a two-piece structure that simultaneously moves in opposite directions. For ease of explanation, it is assumed hereinafter that the push button unit 10 is installed on the operation section 3 so that the two-piece shutter 31 opens in the left and right directions and the sensor unit 80 is located at the rear. When installed on the gaming machine 1, the shutter located on the left side as viewed from the front is referred to as the left shutter 31L, and the shutter located on the right side as viewed from the front is referred to as the right shutter 31R. However, when there is no need to particularly explain the left and right shutters 31L, 31R separately, they will simply be referred to as the shutter 31.

[0037] The left and right shutters 31L, 31R are opened and closed by the shutter mechanism 32, approaching each other when transitioning from an open state to a closed state, and moving away from each other when transitioning from a closed state to an open state. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the main part where the left and right shutters 31L, 31R butt against each other in the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the ends of the left and right shutters 31L, 31R that butt against each other are formed alternately so as to overlap in a plan view. This reliably prevents ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 40, which will be described later, from leaking through the gaps between the left and right shutters 31L, 31R in the closed state.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the shutter mechanism 32 includes an opening / closing motor 33, a reduction gear 34, a pair of pulleys 35a, 35b, a timing belt 36, left and right sliders 37L, 37R, left and right rails 38L, 38R, a shutter rail 39, and first and second photosensors PS1, PS2.

[0039] The opening / closing motor 33 is a drive source that opens and closes the shutter 31. The reduction gear 34 is a component that transmits the driving force of the opening / closing motor 33 to a timing belt 36. A drive shaft 33a of the opening / closing motor 33 meshes with the reduction gear 34, and the reduction gear 34 rotates by the driving force of the opening / closing motor 33. A pair of pulleys 35a, 35b are members that rotate the timing belt 36, and the pulley 35a is fixed to the reduction gear 34. The timing belt 36 is wound around the pair of pulleys 35a, 35b, and teeth formed on the drive pulley 35a mesh with teeth formed on the inner side of the timing belt 36.

[0040] The left and right sliders 37L, 37R and the left and right rails 38L, 38R are provided corresponding to the left and right shutters 31L, 31R. The left slider 37L is connected to the left shutter 31L and the timing belt 36. When the timing belt 36 rotates, the left slider 37L moves on the left rail 38L, thereby moving the connected left shutter 31L. Similarly, the right slider 37R is connected to the right shutter 31R and the timing belt 36. When the timing belt 36 rotates, the right slider 37R moves on the right rail 38R, thereby moving the connected right shutter 31R.

[0041] The ends of the left and right shutters 31L, 31R that are not connected to the left and right sliders 37L, 37R are supported by rails 39 for shutters so as to be slidable.

[0042] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the attachment of the timing belt 36 and the left and right sliders 37L, 37R of the shutter mechanism 32 in the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the left and right sliders 37L, 37R are attached symmetrically, separated above and below, at a position half the circumference of the timing belt 36. As a result, when the timing belt 36 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow, the left and right sliders 37L, 37R approach each other, and the left and right shutters 31L, 31R move in the closing direction. Conversely, when the timing belt 36 rotates in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow, the left and right sliders 37L, 37R move away from each other, and the left and right shutters 31L, 31R move in the opening direction.

[0043] 3 and 4, the first and second photosensors PS1 and PS2 are sensors that detect the opening and closing of the shutter 31. Of these, the first photosensor PS1 detects an open state (fully open state) in which the shutter 31 is open, and the second photosensor PS2 detects a closed state (fully closed state) in which the shutter 31 is closed.

[0044] Specifically, the first photosensor PS1 is not exposed to light until the left shutter 31L is fully opened (see FIG. 4), and is disposed at a position where it is blocked by the left slider 37L when the left shutter 31L is fully opened (see FIG. 3). This allows the first photosensor PS1 to detect that the shutter 31 is open when it is blocked from light.

[0045] On the other hand, the second photosensor PS2 is not shielded from light until the right shutter 31R is completely closed (see FIG. 3), and is disposed at a position where it is shielded from light by the right slider 37R when the right shutter 31R is completely closed (see FIG. 4). This makes it possible to detect that the shutter 31 is closed when the second photosensor PS2 is shielded from light.

[0046] As described above, the left and right shutters 31L, 31R move symmetrically with the rotation of the timing belt 36, so there is no need to detect the position of one of the left and right shutters 31L, 31R by detecting the position of the other one.

[0047] (3-2. Ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 40) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 40 is disposed on the rear surface of the shutter 31, and irradiates ultraviolet rays as light rays that inactivate viruses adhering to the operation surface 20a of the push button 20. The ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 40 includes a disinfection LED (light source) 41 that irradiates ultraviolet rays, and an LED drive circuit 42 that drives the disinfection LED 41. A plurality of disinfection LEDs 41 are arranged so that the ultraviolet rays can reach the entire operation surface 20a. The plurality of disinfection LEDs 41 and the LED drive circuit 42 are mounted on a substrate 43.

[0048] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 40 is arranged in two parts according to the left and right shutters 31L, 31R. When the left and right shutters 31L, 31R are closed, the disinfection LEDs 41 face the operation surface 20a, and the ultraviolet rays emitted from the disinfection LEDs 41 are irradiated onto the operation surface 20a.

[0049] (4. Configuration of the lifting unit 50) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the lifting unit 50. As described above, the lifting unit 50 includes the push button 20 and the lifting mechanism 51 that moves the push button 20 up and down.

[0050] (4-1. Push button 20) FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the push button 20 in the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the push button 20 includes a bezel 21, a base 22, a button body 23, a pressure sensor board 27, an LED board 28, mechanical parts, and the like. The bezel 21 is a cover member for covering (protecting) the outer periphery of the push button 20. The button body 23 is a part that receives a pressing operation, and is supported between the bezel 21 and the base 22 so as to be capable of being pressed. The upper surface of the button body 23 and the upper surface of the bezel 21 correspond to the operation surface 20a. The button body 23 is made of a transparent material, and an annular rubber part 24 is fitted to the outer periphery. The rubber part 24 on the outer periphery is sandwiched between the bezel 21 and the base 22, so that liquid does not enter the inside of the push button 20.

[0051] The mechanical parts include a plurality of click rubbers 25 and a plurality of springs 26. The click rubbers 25 provide a clicking sensation when the button body 23 is pressed, and the springs 26 return the pressed button body 23 to its original position. The pressure sensor board 27 is provided with a pressure sensor 29 (see FIG. 12) that detects pressing of the button body 23, and detects pressing of the button body 23. The LED board 28 is provided with a plurality of LEDs (not shown) and illuminates the outer periphery of the button body 23.

[0052] (4-2. Lifting mechanism 51) 5 and 6, the push button 20 is mounted on a base 52, and is raised and lowered together with the base 52 by an elevation mechanism 51. The elevation mechanism 51 includes an elevation motor 53, two reduction gears 54, a ball screw 55, a pantograph mechanism 60, and third and fourth photosensors PS3, PS4. These members constituting the elevation mechanism 51 and the push button 20 are mounted on a base plate to form a unit.

[0053] The lifting motor 53 is a drive source for lifting and lowering the push button 20. The two reduction gears 54 are components that transmit the driving force of the lifting motor 53 to the ball screw 55. The two reduction gears 54 are rotated by the driving force of the lifting motor 53. One of the two reduction gears 54 is engaged with the drive shaft (not shown) of the lifting motor 53, and a ball screw 55 is fixed to the shaft of the other reduction gear. The two reduction gears 54 are rotated by the driving force of the lifting motor 53. The ball screw 55 is a member that lifts and lowers the pantograph mechanism 60.

[0054] The pantograph mechanism 60 has a plurality of frames 62 arranged to intersect, and includes a frame portion 61 on which an intersection 62a is pivotally supported. In this embodiment, the frame portion 61 has two frames 62, and further has a front frame portion 61F and a rear frame portion 61B in a front-rear direction intersecting with the left-right direction in which the shutter 31 is opened and closed.

[0055] The upper ends of the two frames 62 in each of the front and rear frame sections 61F, 61B are attached to the base 52, and the base 52 is supported by the four frames 62. The lower ends of the two frames 62 in each of the front and rear frame sections 61F, 61B are attached to the axles of the round pillars 63R, 63L arranged on the left and right. Specifically, the lower ends of the two frames 62 in the front frame section 61F are attached to the front axles of the left and right round pillars 63L, 63R, and the lower ends of the two frames 62 in the rear frame section 61B are attached to the rear axles of the left and right round pillars 63L, 63R.

[0056] The left and right round pillars 63L, 63L have their shafts at both ends supported by a front support plate 64F and a rear support plate 64B arranged in the front-rear direction. Of these, the shaft of the right round pillar 63R is supported at a fixed position by the front and rear support plates 64F, 64B. Meanwhile, the shaft of the left round pillar 63L is slidably supported in a long hole 64a long in the left-right direction formed in the front and rear support plates 64F, 64B. The ball screw 55 is disposed so as to pass through the center of the left and right round pillars 63R, 63L in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction).

[0057] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a lowered state and an elevated state of the pantograph mechanism 60 provided in the lifting mechanism part 51 in the push button unit mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. The figure with reference numeral 10001 shows the lowered state, and the figure with reference numeral 10002 shows the elevated state. As shown in the figure with reference numeral 10001, in the lowered state, the left round support 63L is located at the left end, and the two frames 62 of the front and rear frame parts 61F, 61B extend along the ball screw 55. When the ball screw 55 rotates in a predetermined direction from this state, as shown in the figure with reference numeral 10002, the left round support 63L moves horizontally to the right and approaches the right round support 63R. As the left round support 63L approaches the right round support 63R, the two frames 62 of the front and rear frame parts 61F, 61B rise in a direction away from the ball screw, and the base 52 is pushed up, resulting in an elevated state.

[0058] When the ball screw 55 rotates in the opposite direction from when it was raised, the left round support 63L moves horizontally to the left and separates from the right round support 63R. As the left round support 63L separates from the right round support 63R, the two frames 62 in the front and rear frame portions 61F, 61B approach the ball screw 55 and are folded, and the base 52 descends, entering the descended state.

[0059] In this embodiment, the amount of lift of the push button 20 by the pantograph mechanism 60 is set to about 20 mm, and the reduction ratio of the reduction gear 54 is set to 0.1389. In this case, the lift motor 53 needs to rotate about 15 times to lift the push button 20 by 20 mm. In this way, the reduction ratio is made large, so that the push button 20 is unlikely to sink even if it is hit hard.

[0060] 5 and 6, the third and fourth photosensors PS3, PS4 are sensors that detect the position of the push button 20. In this embodiment, the third and fourth photosensors PS3, PS4 are disposed on the left side opposite the lift motor 53. A detection piece 56 is attached to the base 52 to block light from the third and fourth photosensors PS3, PS4.

[0061] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing detection of the position of the push button 20 by the third and fourth photosensors PS3, PS4 in the push button unit mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 11001 shows the lowered state in the lowered position, and the diagram indicated by reference numeral 11002 shows the raised state in the raised position. As shown in Fig. 11, the third and fourth photosensors PS3, PS4 are installed at the same height, and the detection piece 56 has light-shielding walls 56a, 56b that are offset in the vertical direction (height direction).

[0062] As shown in the diagram indicated by the reference numeral 11001, when the push button 20 is in the lowered state, the fourth photosensor PS4 is shielded from light by the light-shielding wall 56b, and the third photosensor PS3 is not shielded from light by the light-shielding wall 56a and is not shielded from light. When the push button 20 begins to rise, the third photosensor PS3 is also shielded from light by the light-shielding wall 56a, and both the third and fourth photosensors PS3 and PS4 are in the light-shielding state.

[0063] Then, when the push button 20 reaches the raised position, the third photosensor PS3 remains shielded from light by the light-shielding wall 56a, but the fourth photosensor PS4 is not shielded from light by the light-shielding wall 56b, as shown in the diagram denoted by reference numeral 11002. In this manner, the position of the push button 20 (lowered position, raised position, or intermediate position) can be detected from the combination of the light-shielding and non-light-shielding states of the third and fourth photosensors PS3 and PS4.

[0064] (4-3. Sensor unit 80) The sensor unit (instruction receiving unit) 80 receives an instruction to disinfect the operation surface 20a by the ultraviolet irradiator 40 from outside the push button unit 10. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the sensor unit 80 has a photosensor 81 which is a reflective sensor, and is attached to the back side of the front case 12. As shown in Fig. 2, a window 12a which transmits light from the photosensor 81 of the sensor unit 80 is provided at the installation location of the sensor unit 80 in the front case 12. A player can issue an instruction to disinfect the operation surface 20a without contact by holding his / her hand over the window 12a.

[0065] (5. Control device 70) 12 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. The control device 70 is a computer device constituted by an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated processor, and controls the operation of each part of the gaming machine 1. The control device 70 is connected to each part of the gaming machine 1, such as the main display 2, the operation panel 5, the ticket / banknote processing unit 8, the ticket dispensing unit 9, and the push button unit 10.

[0066] The main display 2 displays game images, and the operation panel 5 accepts the selection of games to be played on the gaming machine 1 and various settings. The ticket / bill processing unit 8 accepts tickets or bills for playing games on the gaming machine 1. A player can start a game by inserting a ticket or bill into the ticket / bill processing unit 8. The ticket payout unit 9 pays out (discharges) items such as voucher tickets when a game on the gaming machine 1 ends. The operation of paying out items such as voucher tickets corresponds to the operation executed by the gaming machine 1 when a game on the gaming machine 1 ends.

[0067] The push button 20 of the push button unit 10 receives instructions for the selected game displayed on the main display 2. As described above, if the game is a slot machine game, the push button 20 serves as a spin button for starting the rotation of the drum. When the push button 20 is operated, the drum displayed on the main display 2 starts to rotate.

[0068] A button unit control unit 75 is configured in the control device 70 to control the operation of the push button unit 10. The button unit control unit 75 includes a pressure detection unit 74, a shutter control unit 71, an illumination control unit 72, and a lift control unit 73, and is connected to the opening / closing motor 33, the LED drive circuit 42, and the lift motor 53 in the push button unit 10.

[0069] Moreover, detection signals are input to the button unit control unit 75 from the pressure sensor 29, the first to fourth photosensors PS1 to S4, and the sensor unit 80. Furthermore, a signal notifying that a ticket has been dispensed is input to the button unit control unit 75 from the ticket dispensing unit 9.

[0070] The pressure detection unit 74 determines that the push button 20 has been pressed when a detection signal is input from the pressure sensor 29. When it is determined that the push button 20 has been pressed, the control device 70 starts the rotation of a drum in the case of a slot machine game.

[0071] When an event occurs that triggers the disinfection operation by the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 40, the button unit control unit 75 moves the push button 20 to the lowered position and controls the driving of the opening / closing motor 33, the LED drive circuit 42, and the lifting motor 53 to perform the disinfection work. In this embodiment, when a signal notifying that a ticket has been dispensed is input from the ticket dispensing unit 9, the button unit control unit 75 determines that an event that triggers the disinfection operation by the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 40 has occurred.

[0072] In detail, the shutter control unit 71 controls the driving of the opening / closing motor 33 using the detection signals of the first and second photosensors PS1, PS2 to open and close the shutter 31. The irradiation control unit 72 controls the driving of the LED driving circuit 42 to light up the multiple disinfection LEDs 41. The lift control unit 73 controls the driving of the lift motor 53 using the detection signals of the third and fourth photosensors PS3, PS4 to lift and lower the push button 20.

[0073] (6. Disinfection operation of push button unit 10) (6-1. Main sequence of disinfection operations) Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing a main sequence of the disinfection operation in the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, the control device 70 constantly judges whether a detection signal is input from the sensor unit 80 and whether a detection signal is input from the ticket payout unit 9 (S1, S2). If it is judged in S1 or S2 that a detection signal is input, the lift control unit 73 drives the lift motor 53 to move the push button 20 to the lowered position (S3). When the push button 20 moves to the lowered position, the shutter control unit 71 drives the opening / closing motor 33 to close the shutter 31 (S4).

[0074] When the shutter 31 is closed, the irradiation control unit 72 drives the LED drive circuit 42 to light the disinfection LED for a predetermined time (S5). The predetermined time is a time sufficient for the ultraviolet light from the disinfection LED 41 to inactivate viruses attached to the operation surface 20a, and is set to, for example, about 10 seconds. When the predetermined time of lighting is completed in S4, the shutter control unit 71 drives the opening / closing motor 33 to open the shutter 31 (S6). When the shutter 31 is opened in S6, the lift control unit 73 drives the lift motor 53 to move the push button 20 to the raised position (S7). Thereafter, the control device 70 returns the process to S1.

[0075] (6-2. Control sequence of the lift mechanism) 14 is a flowchart showing a descent control sequence of the lift mechanism 51 in the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The descent control sequence in FIG. 14 is executed in S3 in FIG.

[0076] 11, when the push button 20 is in the raised position, the third photosensor PS3 is in a light-shielding state and the fourth photosensor PS4 is in a light-exposed state. When the lift control unit 73 starts driving the lift motor 53 to lower the push button 20 from the raised position (S11), both the third and fourth photosensors PS3 and PS4 are in a light-shielding state.

[0077] The lift control unit 73 drives the lift motor 53 until the third photosensor PS3 is in a non-light-shielding state. As shown in the diagram of reference numeral 11001 in FIG. 11, when the push button 20 reaches the lowered position, the third photosensor PS3 is in a non-light-shielding state and the fourth photosensor PS4 is in a light-shielding state. When the third photosensor PS3 is in a non-light-shielding state (YES in S12), the lift control unit 73 stops driving the lift motor 53 (S13). After this, the control device 70 proceeds to the control sequence of the shutter unit 30 shown in FIG. 15.

[0078] Although not shown, the lift control sequence for moving the push button 20 to the lifted position, which is executed in S7 of Fig. 13, is the reverse of that of Fig. 14. In other words, the lift control unit 73 drives the lift motor 53 to lift the push button 20 until the fourth photosensor PS4 is in the light-unblocking state, and stops driving the lift motor 53 when the fourth photosensor PS4 is in the light-unblocking state.

[0079] (6-3. Control sequence of the shutter unit 30) 15 is a flowchart showing a control sequence of the shutter unit 30 in the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. The control sequence in FIG. 15 is executed in S4 to S6 in FIG.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 3, when the shutter 31 is in an open state (fully open), the first photosensor PS1 is in a light-shielding state and detects the fully open state. The second photosensor PS2, which detects the closed state, is in a light-non-shielding state. In order to close the shutter 31, the shutter control unit 71 starts driving the opening / closing motor 33 (S21). When the shutter 31 starts to close, both the first and second photosensors PS1 and PS2 are in a light-non-shielding state. The shutter control unit 71 drives the opening / closing motor 33 until the second photosensor PS2, which detects the closed state, is in a light-shielding state. As shown in FIG. 4, when the shutter 31 is in a closed state, the second photosensor PS2 is in a light-shielding state. When the second photosensor is in a light-shielding state (YES in S22), the shutter control unit 71 drives the opening / closing motor 33 a predetermined number of pulses, and stops it after confirming that the specified number of pulses have been driven (S23).

[0081] The process of S23 is executed to prevent a minute gap from occurring when the shutter 31 is not completely closed. In other words, if the opening / closing motor 33 is controlled to immediately stop after the second photosensor PS2 is shaded by the right slider 37R (YES in S22), a minute gap may occur when the shutter 31 is closed due to variations in the assembly position of the second photosensor PS2. By executing S23, the variations in the assembly position of the second photosensor PS2 can be absorbed, and the shutter 31 can be closed without any minute gaps.

[0082] It can be detected that the shutter 31 is not completely closed in the following two ways: When the second photosensor PS2 is not shaded from light even after a certain time has passed since the opening / closing motor 33 started to drive. When the second photosensor PS2 is shaded from light and detects that the opening / closing motor 33 has not rotated a specified angle even after a certain time has passed, even though a specified number of pulses have been sent to the opening / closing motor 33. Note that the motors that make up the opening / closing motor 33 etc. are equipped with Hall elements, making it possible to check their own rotational position.

[0083] When the shutter 31 is completely closed in the process of S23, the irradiation control unit 72 turns on the disinfection LED 41 for a predetermined time and then turns it off (S24). As a result, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the operation surface 20a of the push button 20, and viruses adhering thereto are inactivated.

[0084] After confirming that the disinfection LED 41 is turned off, the shutter control unit 71 starts driving the opening / closing motor 33 to open the shutter 31 (S26). When the shutter 31 starts to open, the first and second photosensors PS1 and PS2 are both in the non-light-blocking state again. The shutter control unit 71 drives the opening / closing motor 33 until the first photosensor PS1, which detects the open state, is in the light-blocking state again. When the first photosensor PS1 is in the light-blocking state (YES in S26), the shutter control unit 71 stops driving the opening / closing motor 33 (S27).

[0085] (7. Effects) According to the above configuration, the gaming machine 1 is equipped with an ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 40, and when the push button 20 is stored, the operation surface 20a can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays to inactivate viruses adhering to the operation surface 20a. This makes it possible to disinfect the operation surface 20a without relying on employees to apply disinfectant, relieving employees from frequent disinfection work and reducing their burden. In addition, since no disinfectant is used, deterioration of the operation surface 20a due to the disinfectant does not occur, and the life of the push button 20 can be extended.

[0086] Also, by making the player aware that the operation surface 20a is being disinfected in the stored state, the player can confirm that the push button 20 has been disinfected every time he or she sees the stored state. This makes it possible to strongly appeal to the player that the push button 20 has been disinfected, compared to push buttons made of materials containing antibacterial agents, and gives the player a sense of security that viruses have been inactivated.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the ultraviolet ray irradiation by the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 40 is performed with the shutter 31 completely closed. This can reliably prevent the player from seeing the irradiated ultraviolet ray.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, a lifting mechanism 51 is provided for lifting and lowering the push button 20, and the shutter 31 closes the opening 14 when the push button 20 is lowered. With this configuration, the shutter 31 can be configured to be flat, and the thickness of the push button unit 10 can be reduced. This allows the operation unit 3 of the gaming machine 1 (see FIG. 1) to be installed in a limited space.

[0089] In the above configuration, lifting mechanism 51 is equipped with a pantograph mechanism that lifts and lowers base 52 with the driving force of lifting motor 53. By using the pantograph mechanism, the reduction ratio of reduction gear 54 that transmits the driving force of lifting motor 53 to the pantograph mechanism becomes large, and push button 20 can be held in the raised position even if a large force is applied to push button 20.

[0090] In addition, in the above configuration, the sensor unit 80 is adapted to receive instructions to execute a disinfection operation at any time, so the player can disinfect the push buttons at any time. In particular, in the above configuration, the sensor unit 80 is equipped with a reflective sensor, so that instructions to execute a disinfection operation for the push buttons can be given without contact.

[0091] §3 Variations Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely an example of the present invention in every respect. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible. In the following, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the above embodiment, and the description of the same points as in the above embodiment is omitted as appropriate. The following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0092] <3.1> 13, when the disinfection LED 41 is turned on for a predetermined time, the control device 70 (button unit control unit 75) executes S6 and S7 immediately thereafter to open the shutter 31 and make the push button 20 appear. However, the processes of S6 and S7 do not have to be performed immediately after the disinfection LED 41 has been turned on for a predetermined time, as long as they are performed after the disinfection LED 41 has been turned on for the predetermined time, and an event that triggers the appearance of the push button 20 may be set in advance.

[0093] An example of an event that triggers the appearance of the push button 20 can be an operation that a player executes on the gaming machine 1 in order to start a game on the gaming machine 1. One example of such an operation can be the operation of inserting a ticket or a bill into the ticket / bill processing unit 8 of the gaming machine 1. This allows the push button 20 to appear at the timing when the control device 70 detects that a situation (event) has occurred that requires the operation of the push button 20, such as the start of a game on the gaming machine 1.

[0094] Fig. 16 is a flow chart showing a main sequence of the disinfection operation in the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine according to the modified example. As shown in Fig. 16, the control device 70 performs the process of S30 to determine whether or not a detection signal is input from the ticket / banknote processing unit 8 between the process of S5 for turning on the disinfection LED for a predetermined time and the processes of S6 and S7 for opening the shutter 31 to reveal the push button 20. That is, when a detection signal is input from the ticket / banknote processing unit 8 of the gaming machine 1 to notify that a ticket or banknote has been inserted to start a game (YES in S30), the shutter 31 is opened to reveal the push button 20.

[0095] According to this, after disinfection is completed, the push button 20 remains stored, and when an event occurs that triggers the appearance of the push button 20, it appears and goes into standby mode. This allows the next player of the gaming machine 1 to clearly recognize that the push button 20 is a clean button that has been disinfected and has not been touched by anyone.

[0096] <3.2> In the above-described configuration, the push button unit 10 is provided with the sensor unit 80, but the sensor unit 80 is not necessarily required. In addition, when the sensor unit 80 is provided, the position where it is arranged may be the rear surface of the gaming machine 1, the rear surface of the operation unit 3, or the like.

[0097] <3.3> In the above-described configuration, the event that triggers the disinfection operation by the ultraviolet irradiating unit 40 is the issuance of a voucher ticket to the player when play ends on the gaming machine 1, but it may also be, for example, an operation requesting the return of the voucher ticket. In other words, the event that triggers the disinfection operation by the ultraviolet irradiating unit 40 may also be an operation that the player performs on the gaming machine 1 to end play on the gaming machine 1. However, in the case of the push button unit 10 mounted on the gaming machine 1, the event that triggers the disinfection operation is preferably performed at the timing when the player changes.

[0098] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Gaming machines 3 Control section 5 Operation Panel 6 Inlet 7. Payment outlet 8. Banknote Processing Unit 9 Ticket issuing department 10 Button Unit 11 Cases 12 Front case 12a Window section 13 Back case 14 Aperture 20 Push Button 20a Operation surface 29 Pressure Sensor 30 Shutter unit 31 Shutter 31L Left shutter 31R Right Shutter 32 Shutter mechanism 33 Opening and closing motor 34, 54 Reduction gear 40 Ultraviolet irradiation unit 41 Disinfection LED (light source) 42 LED driving circuit 50 Lifting unit 51 Lifting mechanism 52 Foundation 53 Lifting motor 60 Pantograph mechanism 70 Control device 71 Shutter control section 72 Irradiation control unit 73 Lift control section 74 Pressure detection unit 75 Button unit control section 80 Sensor unit (instruction receiving unit)

Claims

1. A push button and a panel having an opening through which the push button appears; a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the push button; a shutter that closes the opening when in a closed state; a shutter mechanism for opening and closing the shutter; a light ray irradiation unit that is disposed on the rear surface of the shutter, faces the operation surface of the push button when the shutter is in a closed state, and has a light source that emits light rays that inactivate viruses; a control device that controls the lifting mechanism, the shutter mechanism, and the light beam irradiation unit, The control device includes: When an event occurs that triggers the execution of a disinfection operation using the light to inactivate viruses adhering to the operating surface, the push button is lowered, the shutter is closed, and the light source is turned on for a predetermined period of time, and when an event occurs that triggers the appearance of the push button after the illumination is complete, the shutter is opened and the push button is raised.

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the event that triggers the execution of the disinfection operation is an operation that is executed by the gaming machine when a game on the gaming machine ends.

3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the action executed by the gaming machine at the end of a game is a ticket return action.

4. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the event that triggers the execution of the disinfection operation is an operation that a player performs on the gaming machine to end play on the gaming machine.

5. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the event that triggers the appearance of the push button is an operation that a player performs on the gaming machine in order to start a game on the gaming machine.

6. The lifting mechanism includes: A motor, 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a pantograph mechanism that uses the driving force of the motor to move a base on which the push button is mounted between a lowered position and a raised position.

7. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction receiving unit that receives, at any timing, an instruction to execute a disinfection operation for inactivating viruses adhering to the operation surface by using the light beam.

Images