JP2004254895A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a poor electrical connection in the connecting part between a storage body and a socket by providing an external additional absorbing member damping vibrations and absorbing impacts in a part where, at least, one of the storage body or the socket is attached. <P>SOLUTION: A connecting terminal 20a of a ROM cartridge 20 storing a program ROM 17 and a data ROM 18 is electrically connected to the socket 25, and the external additional absorbing member 22 composed of a vibration absorbing material is disposed so as to fill a clearance between a pedestal 21 and the ROM cartridge 20, so that the vibrations and the impacts to be applied to the connecting part between the connecting terminal 20a and the socket 25 are absorbed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine installed and used in a game room such as a pachinko parlor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Pachinko machines can be used as gaming machines installed in amusement arcades. A game board is provided in a main body frame of the pachinko machine, and an openable and closable front frame is provided on a front surface of the game board. In such a pachinko machine, no one can touch a game board, an electronic device, and the like inside the pachinko machine when the pachinko machine is installed in the game hall and the front frame is closed. I have. In addition, when a worker at the amusement arcade needs to touch the inside of the pachinko machine, the work is performed by opening the front frame.
[0003]
When such a pachinko machine is switched to a new model, it is common to replace all the installed pachinko machines for each pachinko machine body in order to replace the old model with a new model. However, since a lot of common components are used as components of the pachinko machine, replacing components that do not need to be replaced results in an increase in cost. For this reason, it is currently under consideration to leave a portion having parts that can be used in common in a game arcade and replace only a portion that is newly changed. In this case, a device for performing a basic operation (pachinko ball launching and paying out with a prize) on a pachinko machine and a rendering device such as a speaker and a lamp are attached to a main body frame serving as an engine member of the pachinko machine, and a specific game is performed. By changing an information storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a game board or a game program in which an area is provided is stored for the main body frame, it is possible to reduce costs at the time of model replacement. .
[0004]
Therefore, an information storage medium such as a ROM in which a game program is stored is accommodated in a cartridge-shaped connecting member provided with a connecting terminal formed of a connector or the like, and fitted with a connector serving as a fitting portion. By using a socket capable of transmitting an electric signal by contacting the connection terminal, the information storage medium provided in the housing and the electronic device such as a control device in the gaming machine are electrically connected to the socket by fitting the socket. By making the connection, the time at the time of model exchange can be accelerated. Then, the applicant fixes the container with a game board which is one of the mounting members integrated with the main body frame, and attaches the game board to the main body frame so that the housing and the socket are simultaneously fitted. By making electrical connection together, or by making a non-contact electrical connection such as infrared communication with a communication device provided on the body frame side via the container, Currently being developed to simplify the work.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the above-described gaming machine, since the housing and the socket are directly fixed to the gaming board and the main body frame, respectively, the device for driving the pachinko ball provided in the gaming machine and the pachinko machine are provided. The connection between the housing and the socket is strongly affected by the vibration and shock generated by the operation of the device for dispensing a ball, and an electrical contact failure occurs at the connection that can transmit an electric signal. It was easy.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem of the related art, and an external additional absorbing member capable of damping vibration and buffering shock is provided at a portion where at least one of the housing and the socket is attached. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing or suppressing poor electrical contact at a connection between a housing and a socket.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine of the present invention includes a connection portion connected to transmit an electric signal, wherein the connection portion includes a first connection member and a second connection member. A connection means for enabling transmission of an electric signal by being communicated, wherein the first connection member is provided, and a mounting member adapted to be attached to a game machine main body; A gaming machine main body provided with a second connecting member, to which the mounting member can be attached; and a damping and shock of vibration applied to the connecting portion provided on at least one of the mounting member and the gaming machine main body. And an external additional absorbing member for buffering.
[0008]
The external additional absorbing member is provided between the connecting portion and a portion where vibration and impact are likely to occur or a portion holding the connecting means directly engaged with the portion and the connecting portion. It is preferable that the connecting member and the second connecting member are provided so as to prevent vibration and impact, which impair the transmission of an electric signal in communication between the connecting member and the second connecting member. That is, by providing the external additional absorbing member at an appropriate position between a portion where vibration and impact are likely to occur and the connecting portion, an electric signal in communication between the first connecting member and the second connecting member is provided. The effect of vibration and shock that impairs the transmission of light can be prevented.
[0009]
In addition, the first connection member is configured to transmit an electric signal based on a storage medium storing game control data, which is used when a control device provided in the game machine controls at least a game state. Preferably, it is a housing member. That is, by providing the external additional absorbing member between the mounting member and the housing member, the external additional absorption member is provided in the game machine based on a storage medium housing member storing game control data, which is performed at the time of operation of the game machine. It is possible to prevent or prevent an error from occurring in the transmission and reception of the electric signal performed when the control device is controlled.
[0010]
Further, the first connecting member is provided on a replaceable mounting member with respect to the gaming machine main body, and the mounting member is attached to the gaming machine main body provided with the second connecting member. It is preferable that the first connection member and the second connection member are communicated with each other so that an electric signal can be transmitted. That is, since at least the replaceable mounting member is greatly affected by vibration and impact generated when the mounting member is attached to the gaming machine main body, the external member is placed at an appropriate position between the mounting member and the first connecting member. The provision of the additional absorbing member is effective in protecting the connection portion.
[0011]
Further, it is preferable that the external additional absorbing member is formed in a configuration that blocks an electromagnetic wave emitted to one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member. That is, it is possible to prevent or suppress a malfunction when transmitting the electric signal.
[0012]
Further, it is preferable that the external additional absorbing member is formed to have a configuration for blocking static electricity emitted to one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member. That is, it is possible to prevent or suppress a malfunction when transmitting the electric signal.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a pachinko machine using the present invention. A game board 4 is provided inside the main body frame 3 of the pachinko machine 2, and a front frame 5 is provided on the front face of the game board 4 so as to be freely opened and closed. An opening 5 a is formed at the center of the front frame 5, and the opening 5 a is shielded by a glass plate 7 of a glass frame 6 (see FIG. 2) attached to the back of the front frame 5. Below the front frame 5, there are provided a supply tray 8 for supplying a hit ball and an operation handle 9 for adjusting the launching strength of a pachinko ball as a game medium. When the player puts the pachinko balls into the supply tray 8, the pachinko balls are guided to the firing device by a passage provided inside. Then, the user operates the operation handle 9 to hit a pachinko ball on the game board 4. When the front frame 5 is in a closed state, a player or a worker in a game arcade can play a game area 4a (see FIG. 4) of the game board 4 via the glass plate 7 attached to the back side of the front frame 5. 2) and the pachinko balls flowing down the game area 4a can be seen, but not only the game board 4 but also electronic devices such as a control device provided inside the main body frame 3. You can't do that.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 4 is detachably attached to the main body frame 3 and is held at a predetermined position. A game area 4a surrounded by a guide rail 10 is formed on the game board 4, and a predetermined winning port such as a start winning port 12, a normal winning port 13, an attacker 14, and an out port 15 are provided. In the game area 4a, nails, windmills, and the like, which are not shown, are provided. These structures are publicly known, and thus description thereof is omitted. By opening the front frame 5, the operator of the game arcade can adjust the structures provided in these game areas 4a. A method of attaching the game board 4 to the main body frame 3 is not shown, but is attached to the main body frame 3 by, for example, screwing, or a holding member such as a stopper is provided on at least one of the main body frame 3 and the game board 4. The pachinko machine 2 may be attached to the main body frame 3 in consideration of the configuration of the pachinko machine 2 such as providing the gaming board 4 at a predetermined position on the main body frame 3 or the like. Although not shown, a power supply device, a pachinko ball launching device, a payout device, and the like are mounted on the main body frame 3, and a rendering device such as a speaker and a lamp is mounted on the front frame 5.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 3, on the rear surface of the game board 4, a main program in the pachinko machine 2, a production program in the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel unit (symbol display device) 11, and a game state. A program ROM 17 in which a program to be controlled is stored, a data ROM in which image data to be displayed on the LCD panel unit 11 and data for executing operation control based on information generated by the control program are stored. A ROM cartridge 20, which is a container for accommodating an information storage medium 18 therein, is mounted via a pedestal 21 and an external additional absorbing member 22. A connection terminal (connector) 20a is formed at one end of the ROM cartridge 20, and the connection terminal 20a is connected to a cable 24 of a main control circuit board (device) 23 having a CPU for processing a main part related to control of the gaming machine. Is connected in the pedestal accommodating portion 31c with the socket 25 attached to one end of the main control circuit board 23, and the program ROM 17 and the data ROM 18 are electrically connected to the circuit (main control circuit) on the main control circuit board 23. Signals can be transmitted. As described above, the ROM cartridge 20 is provided as a first connecting member on the game board 4 serving as a mounting member, the connection terminal 20 a is provided as a connection portion when connecting to the socket 25, and the socket 25 is provided on the main body frame 3. In addition to functioning as the two connecting members, the ROM cartridge 20 and the socket 25 function as connecting means that can transmit an electric signal when fitted. .
[0016]
A ball passage unit 30 is provided in the pachinko machine 2 as an intermediate member for attaching the game board 4 and the main body frame 3. The ball passage unit 30 includes an LCD panel unit 11, a main control circuit board 23, a support 31, an effect control circuit board (device) 32, and the like. The main control circuit board 23 and the effect control circuit board 32 are assembled on the side. Note that a plurality of ribs 31a are provided inside the support 31, and the ribs 31a form a spherical passage 31b. As a result, the pachinko balls that have entered the starting winning opening 12 or the normal winning opening 13 are guided to a predetermined position and can be collected. Further, the support 31 is provided with a pedestal accommodating portion 31c, which is a space into which the ROM cartridge 20, the pedestal 21, and the external additional absorbing member 22 are inserted. In addition, each circuit board (device) has a lock configuration covered with a protection member (not shown) so that improper activities such as replacement of each circuit board cannot be performed. Further, various circuit boards (devices) such as the LCD panel unit 11, the main control circuit board 23, and the effect control circuit board 32 are connected by cables 33 and 34, respectively. The ball passage unit 30 may be attached to the main body frame 3 by an appropriate method such as holding the ball passage unit 30 at a predetermined position on the main body frame 3 by a stopper such as a locking claw.
[0017]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the ROM cartridge 20, the pedestal 21, and the external additional absorbing member 22. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view when the ROM cartridge 20, the base 21, and the external additional absorbing member 22 are attached so as to be integrated with the game board 4. The external additional absorbing member 22 is disposed so as to fill a gap between the pedestal 21 and the ROM cartridge 20. The material of the external additional absorbing member 22 is an elastic material such as urethane rubber having a vibration absorbing property, and absorbs vibration and shock applied to a connecting portion between the connection terminal 20a and the socket 25.
[0018]
The ROM cartridge 20 is provided with a locking claw 20b for performing a sealing process. When the ROM cartridge 20 is accommodated in the pedestal 21, the locking claw 20b engages with a locking piece 21a protruding inside the pedestal 21 to hold the ROM cartridge 20 at a predetermined position. When the ROM cartridge 20 is to be removed, the ROM cartridge 20 does not come off from the pedestal 21 unless the locking claw 20b is destroyed, thereby preventing unauthorized replacement of the ROM cartridge 20 or the like.
[0019]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine thus formed will be described. When the pachinko machine 2 is manufactured, a power supply device, a pachinko ball launching device, a payout device, and the like are incorporated in the main body frame 3, and a rendering device such as a speaker and a lamp is incorporated in the front frame 5. Thereafter, control circuit devices (dispensing control circuit board, firing control circuit board, etc.) for controlling the operation of these devices are attached to the main body frame 3. Next, the ball passage unit 30 in which the LCD panel unit 11, the main control circuit board 23, and the effect circuit board 32 are incorporated in the support body 31 having the ball passage 31 b is attached to a predetermined position of the body frame 3. Alternatively, connection is made using an appropriate connector or the like incorporated in the front frame 5 or the like so that an electric signal can be transmitted. Thereafter, the main control circuit board 23 is connected to the payout control circuit board and the firing control circuit board by connecting means such as a connector so that an electric signal can be transmitted.
[0020]
When the game board 4 to which the ROM cartridge 20 is attached is attached to the ball passage unit 30 incorporated in a predetermined position of the main body frame 3, the connection terminal 20a is fitted to the socket 25 in the pedestal accommodating portion 31c. And can transmit electric signals. In the present invention, a ROM cartridge 20 is provided as a mounting member in which the ball passage unit 30 and the game board 4 are detachably connected by a predetermined mounting method using fixing means, and a main body frame provided with a socket 25 is provided. 3 may be fixed at a predetermined position. Then, when the main power supply is turned on, the main control circuit reads out the main program, the effect program, the image data, and the like from the program ROM (information storage medium) 17 and the data ROM 18, and the effect is, for example, a stand-by effect on the LCD panel unit 11. Display the image. Thereafter, by turning off the main power supply, the reading of the data is stopped and the display of the image is terminated. Finally, the pachinko machine 2 is completed by closing the front frame 5. The completed pachinko machine 2 is installed at a predetermined position in a game arcade.
[0021]
When the gaming machine 2 is operating, a launching device that ejects pachinko balls, a device that ejects pachinko balls, and the like, which are disposed inside the gaming machine 2, are driven, and various vibrations and impacts are generated in the gaming machine 2. Occurs. At this time, the external additional absorbing member 22 provided in the gap between the ROM cartridge 20 and the pedestal 21 absorbs vibration and shock applied to the connection portion between the connection terminal 20a and the socket 25, and provides electrical contact at the connection portion. Prevent defects. It is preferable that the external additional absorbing member 22 has a performance capable of suppressing electromagnetic waves or static electricity generated by the flow of the pachinko balls. Therefore, as a material for suppressing electromagnetic waves, it is preferable to use a conductive fiber or a conductive plastic, an electromagnetic wave shielding rubber or the like as a material, and as a material for suppressing static electricity, it is preferable to use an insulating rubber or the like for a material. It is preferable that electromagnetic waves and static electricity can be suppressed by appropriately combining them.
[0022]
In the above embodiment, the external additional absorbing member is provided only on the connection terminal 20a side as the first connecting member. However, the external additional absorbing member is provided on the socket 25 side as the second connecting member. Is also good. FIG. 6 shows an example in which an external additional absorbing member is provided on the socket 25 side.
[0023]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the ROM cartridge 20 is mounted on a support 35 that is detachable from the main body frame 3, and the external additional absorbing member 22 is arranged so as to fill the gap between the ROM cartridge 20 and the support 35. Is established. The material of the external additional absorbing member 22 is an elastic material such as urethane rubber having a vibration absorbing property, and absorbs vibration and shock applied to a connecting portion between the connection terminal 20a and the socket 25.
[0024]
The socket 25 is mounted on the main control circuit board 36, and is integrated with the main control circuit board 36. The main control circuit board 36 is attached to a supporting member 38 fixed to the main body frame 3 via a plate-shaped external additional absorbing member 37 on the socket side. Various circuit boards (devices) such as the effect control circuit board 32 are also attached to the support member 38. Various circuit boards (devices) such as the LCD panel unit 11, the main control circuit board 36, and the effect control circuit board 32 are connected by cables 33 and 34, respectively. The material of the socket-side external additional absorbing member 37 is an elastic material such as urethane rubber having a vibration absorbing property, and absorbs vibration and shock applied to a connecting portion between the connection terminal 20a and the socket 25.
[0025]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, an elastic body such as urethane rubber having a vibration absorbing property is used as the external additional absorbing member, but the vibration and the shock at the connecting portion based on the fitting between the connecting terminal 20a and the socket 25 can be absorbed. The invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a combination of a spring and the like. FIG. 7 shows an example in which a combination of springs is used as the external absorbing member. As shown in FIG. 7, the main control circuit board 36 on which the socket 25 is mounted is attached to the fixing plate 40, and the fixing plate 40 is attached to the support member 38 via the spring 41. The spring 41 absorbs vibration and shock applied to the connection part based on the connection between the connection terminal 20a and the socket 25. Thus, the fixed plate 40 and the spring 41 function as an external additional absorbing member.
[0026]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first connecting member is the ROM cartridge containing the storage medium so that the information stored in the information storage medium can be transmitted as an electric signal to the control device. A board or the like on which a medium and a connector having connection terminals exposed to the outside may be mounted, or an appropriate mode may be used as long as the mounting member can be mounted on the game machine main body.
[0027]
In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine. However, the present invention is configured so that the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected to each other so that an electric signal can be transmitted by connecting the first connecting member and the second connecting member. Then, it may be used for a gaming machine such as a slot machine.
[0028]
In the above-described embodiment, the electric signal is transmitted by fitting the first connecting member (ROM cartridge) and the second connecting member (socket). A transmitting device capable of transmitting predetermined game information stored in the storage medium; a receiving device capable of receiving the predetermined game information transmitted to the second connecting member; and a first connecting member (transmitting device) An electrical signal may be transmitted by communicating with the second connection member (receiving device) by non-contact communication.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the gaming machine is connected to transmit an electric signal by the external additional absorbing member provided at a portion to which at least one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is attached. Since at least vibrations and shocks applied to the connection portion are absorbed, it is possible to prevent poor electrical contact at the connection portion.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a gaming machine embodying the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a main body frame and a game board are disassembled.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a game board and a ball passage unit.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a ROM cartridge, a pedestal, and an external additional absorbing member.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a ROM cartridge, a pedestal, and an external additional absorbing member.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing configurations of a game board and a ball passage unit according to another embodiment different from FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a socket-side external additional absorbing member of another embodiment different from FIG. 6;
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Pachinko machine 3 Body frame 4 Game board 5 Front frame 17 Program ROM
18 Data ROM
Reference Signs List 20 ROM cartridge 20a Connection terminal 22 External additional absorbing member 23, 36 Main control circuit board 25 Socket 30 Ball passage unit 31, 35 Supporter 37 Socket-side external absorbing member 40 Fixed plate 41 Spring

Claims (6)

In a gaming machine having a connection portion connected to transmit an electric signal,
The connection unit is a connection unit that enables an electric signal to be transmitted by communicating the first connection member and the second connection member,
A mounting member provided with the first connection member, the mounting member being capable of being attached to the game machine main body;
A gaming machine main body provided with the second connection member, to which the mounting member can be attached;
A gaming machine, comprising: an external additional absorbing member provided on at least one of the mounting member and the gaming machine main body and configured to damp vibration applied to the connection portion and buffer shock. The external additional absorbing member is provided between the connecting portion and a portion where vibration and impact are likely to occur or a portion holding the connecting means directly engaged with the portion, and the first connecting member. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is provided so as to prevent vibration and impact that impair the transmission of an electric signal in communication between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The first connection member is a storage medium housing member configured to transmit an electric signal based on a storage medium storing game control data, which is used when a control device provided in the game machine controls at least a game state. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first connecting member is provided on a replaceable mounting member with respect to the gaming machine main body, and the first connecting member is attached to the gaming machine main body provided with the second connecting member, so that the first connecting member is attached to the first connecting member. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection member and the second connection member are communicated with each other, so that an electric signal can be transmitted. The said external additional absorption member is formed in the structure which interrupts | blocks the electromagnetic wave radiated | emitted to either one of the said 1st connection member or the 2nd connection member, The Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The gaming machine according to any one of the above. The said external additional absorption member is formed in the structure which interrupts | blocks the static electricity emitted to either the said 1st connection member or the 2nd connection member, The Claims 1-5 characterized by the above-mentioned. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

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