JP7530924B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, gaming machines are known that have a movable member that can be moved by a drive unit (motor, solenoid, etc.) and that aim to increase the entertainment value of the game by changing the movable state of the movable member. For example, as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, gaming machines are disclosed in which the movable member is provided with a locking mechanism that holds the movable member in the second position when the movable member is displaced from a first position to a second position.

JP 2016-154728 A JP 2011-130821 A

In gaming machines equipped with such movable parts, the position of the movable part moved by the drive unit may shift from its original position due to deterioration over time, contact with surrounding parts, gear teeth skipping, etc. For this reason, inspection work must be carried out to correct the position of the movable part to its original position or to clean it.

Therefore, in gaming machines equipped with movable parts, it is desirable to provide a locking mechanism that can stably hold the movable part in the moved position, and to easily release the retention (lock) of the movable part by the locking mechanism during inspection work, making inspection work easier.

In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide an amusement machine equipped with a locking mechanism for movable parts that makes inspection easy.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine equipped with a movable device having a movable member, the movable device having a rotatable gear, an arm that moves the movable member, a connecting portion that connects the arm and the gear, and a cover that covers at least the gear and the connecting portion, the position of the connecting portion moves when the gear is rotated, and the position of the movable member moves when the arm moves via the connecting portion, the connecting portion is configured to be movable on a substantially C-shaped movement locus centered on the gear on which the connecting portion is formed, and a first restriction position below where the connecting portion passes through the uppermost end on the movement locus is reached. When the connecting portion reaches a second restricted position above the lowest end on the movement locus, the position of the movable member is maintained even if a force in a second movable direction opposite to the first movable direction is applied to the movable member, and when the connecting portion reaches a second restricted position above the lowest end on the movement locus, the position of the movable member is maintained even if a force in a second movable direction opposite to the first movable direction is applied to the movable member , and an opening is formed in the cover opposite to a part of the gear, and the opening has a length that enables the connecting portion to be moved from the first restricted position to the uppermost end or from the second restricted position to the lowermost end when a jig is inserted to rotate the gear .

According to the present invention, the position of the movable member can be stably held by the locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism can easily release the movable member during inspection work, making inspection work easier.

1 is an oblique view of the gaming machine showing the door in an open state. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a control means for controlling the progress of a game. FIG. A front view of the housing of the game board with the prop device in the standby position. A front view of the housing of the game board with the prop device in a movable position. 13 is a rear view of the upper movable device with the pivot protrusion in the lowermost position. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the upper movable device with the pivot protrusion in an intermediate position. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the upper movable device with the pivot protrusion in the upper limit position. FIG. 13 is a front view of the lower movable device with the pivot connector in the lower limit position. FIG. 13 is a front view of the lower movable device with the pivot connector in an intermediate position. FIG. 13 is a front view of the lower movable device with the pivot connector in the upper limit position. FIG.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values shown in the embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements that have substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid duplicated explanations, and elements that are not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated.

In addition, in this embodiment, terms indicating directions (e.g., up, down, right, left, front, back, etc.) are used as appropriate to facilitate understanding of the invention, but this is for explanatory purposes only and these terms do not limit the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, these directional terms refer to directions as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, showing the door in an open state. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine 100 is equipped with an outer frame 102 in which an enclosed space is formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, a middle frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 by a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed, and a front frame 106 attached to the middle frame 104 by a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed.

The middle frame 104, like the outer frame 102, has four sides arranged in a roughly rectangular shape to form an enclosed space, and the game board 108 is held in this enclosed space. The front frame 106 also holds a glass or resin transparent plate 110. When the middle frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed against the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the transparent plate 110 face each other roughly parallel, maintaining a predetermined distance between them, and the game board 108 can be seen through the transparent plate 110 from the front side of the gaming machine 100.

Figure 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 100. As shown in this figure, an operating handle 112 that protrudes from the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided at the bottom of the front frame 106. This operating handle 112 is provided so that it can be rotated by the player, and when the player rotates the operating handle 112 to perform a firing operation, a gaming ball is fired by a firing mechanism (not shown) with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operating handle 112. The gaming ball fired in this way rises between rails 114a, 114b provided on the gaming board 108 and is guided to the playing area 116.

The play area 116 is a space formed between the play board 108 and the transparent plate 110, and is an area in which the play balls can flow down or roll. The play board 108 is provided with numerous nails and windmills, and the play balls guided to the play area 116 collide with the nails and windmills, causing them to flow down and roll in irregular directions.

The play area 116 includes a first play area 116a and a second play area 116b, which have different degrees of entry of game balls depending on the launch strength of the launch mechanism. The first play area 116a is located on the left side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second play area 116b is located on the right side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100. Since the rails 114a and 114b are on the left side of the play area 116, game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength less than a predetermined strength will enter the first play area 116a, and game balls launched with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength will enter the second play area 116b.

The game area 116 is also provided with a general winning hole 118, a first starting hole 120, and a second starting hole 122 through which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, or the second starting hole 122, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. The number of prize balls may be any number greater than one, and the number of prize balls paid out from the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, and the second starting hole 122 may be different or may be set to the same number of prize balls. In this case, it is also possible to set the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 to be less than the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122.

When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, a lottery is held to determine one of a number of special symbols that have been prepared in advance. Each special symbol is associated with various game benefits, such as whether or not a big win game or a small win game that is advantageous to the player can be executed, and what the game state will be from then on. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, the player not only gets a predetermined prize ball, but also gets the opportunity to acquire the right to receive various game benefits.

The first starting hole 120 is located at the bottom of the game area 116, and is either capable of receiving only game balls flowing down the first game area 116a, or is located in a position where game balls that have entered the first game area 116a can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the second game area 116b.

The second starting port 122 is located in the second game area 116b, and only game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter, or is located in a position where game balls that have entered the second game area 116b can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the first game area 116a. This second starting port 122 is configured as a variable starting port (start variable winning device) having a movable piece 122b, and the ease of game balls entering the second starting port 122 can be changed. Specifically, the second starting port 122 is provided with a movable piece 122b that can be opened and closed, and when this movable piece 122b is in a closed state, it is impossible or difficult for game balls to enter the second starting port 122.

In response to this, when a game ball passes through the gate 124 provided in the second game area 116b, it is determined whether or not to play an auxiliary game in which the second start opening 122 is opened, and if it is determined that the auxiliary game is to be played, the auxiliary game in which the second start opening 122 is controlled to open and close is played. More specifically, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, a lottery for a normal symbol is held, and if a winning symbol is selected in this lottery, the movable piece 122b is controlled to be in an open state for a predetermined time. In this way, when the movable piece 122b is in an open state, the movable piece 122b functions as a receptacle that guides the game ball to the second start opening 122, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start opening 122.

Furthermore, a first large prize opening 126 and a second large prize opening 128 are provided at the bottom of the game area 116. The first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are arranged at positions where at least game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter. The first large prize opening 126 is provided with an openable/closable door 126b, and normally, the openable/closable door 126b closes the first large prize opening 126, making it impossible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. In contrast, when the above-mentioned small prize game is executed, the openable/closable door 126b is opened and functions as a tray, making it possible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. Then, when a game ball enters the first large prize opening 126, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

The second large prize opening 128 is also provided with an opening/closing door 128b that can be opened and closed. Normally, the opening/closing door 128b closes the second large prize opening 128, making it impossible for game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128. In contrast, when the aforementioned big prize game is played, the opening/closing door 128b opens and functions as a tray, allowing game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128. When a game ball enters the second large prize opening 128, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. The first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are collectively referred to simply as the large prize openings.

In addition, at the bottom of the game area 116, there is a discharge port 130 that discharges game balls that do not enter any of the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, the second starting hole 122, the first large winning hole 126, and the second large winning hole 128 from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108.

The gaming machine 100 is equipped with a performance display device 200 consisting of a liquid crystal display device, a performance lighting device 204 consisting of lamps that can be controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors, a sound output device 206 consisting of a speaker, a performance button 208 that accepts operation by the player, and a performance role device 300 consisting of an upper movable device 400 and a lower movable device 500, as performance devices that perform performances while the game is in progress.

The performance display device 200 is equipped with a performance display section 200a consisting of an image display section that displays images. The performance display section 200a is arranged in the approximate center of the game board 108 so that it can be seen from the front side of the gaming machine 100. This performance display section 200a displays various images, but in particular, when a gaming ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, the performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and the results of the big role lottery are notified to the player depending on the stop display mode of each of these performance symbols.

The lighting device 204 is provided on the prop device 300, the game board 108, etc., and is controlled to light up in various ways according to the images displayed on the display unit 200a.

The audio output device 206 is provided at the top of the front frame 106 or at the bottom of the outer frame 102, and outputs various sounds toward the front of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the images displayed on the performance display unit 200a.

The effect button 208 is composed of a button that accepts a press operation by the player, and is located at approximately the center of the gaming machine 100 in the width direction, and below the transparent plate 110. This effect button 208 is activated according to the image displayed on the effect display unit 200a, and when a player's operation is accepted within the effective operation time, various effects are executed according to the operation.

The upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 serving as the performance device 300 are provided behind the surface of the game board 108 on which the game ball rolls, and in front of the performance display unit 200a. The upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 move to cover part of the display area of the performance display unit 200a while the performance patterns are being displayed in a changing manner, giving the player a sense of anticipation of a big win. The movable manner and structure of the upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 will be described in detail later.

The reference symbol 132 in the figure indicates an upper tray to which prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 100 and game balls loaned from the game ball loaning device are guided, and when this upper tray 132 is full of game balls, the game balls are guided to the lower tray 134. A ball ejection hole (not shown) is formed in the bottom surface of this lower tray 134 to eject game balls from the lower tray 134. This ball ejection hole is normally closed by an opening/closing plate (not shown), but by pushing in the ball ejection knob 134a, the opening/closing plate slides together with the ball ejection knob 134a, making it possible to eject game balls from the ball ejection hole to below the lower tray 134.

The game board 108 is provided with a first special symbol display 160 that displays a first special symbol, a second special symbol display 162 that displays a second special symbol, a first special symbol reserved display 164 that displays the number of reserved first special symbols, a second special symbol reserved display 166 that displays the number of reserved second special symbols, a normal symbol display 168 that displays a normal symbol, a normal symbol reserved display 170 that displays the number of reserved normal symbols, and a right-hit notification display 172 that instructs the player to launch the ball, all of which are located outside the game area 116 and visible to the player. Each of these displays 560-572 is a device for displaying various game-related conditions.

(Internal configuration of control means)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means for controlling the progress of the game.

The main control board 700 controls the basic operations of the game. This main control board 700 is equipped with a main CPU 700a, a main ROM 700b, and a main RAM 700c. The main CPU 700a reads out programs stored in the main ROM 700b 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 700c functions as a work area for data during arithmetic processing by the main CPU 700a.

The gaming machine 100 is broadly divided into special games, which are started when a gaming ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, and regular games, which are started when a gaming ball passes through the gate 124. The main ROM 700b of the main control board 700 stores various programs for progressing the special games and regular games, as well as data and tables required for various games.

The main control board 700 is connected to a general winning hole detection switch 118s that detects when a game ball enters the general winning hole 118, a first starting hole detection switch 120s that detects when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120, a second starting hole detection switch 122s that detects when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122, a gate detection switch 124s that detects when a game ball passes through the gate 124, a first large winning hole detection switch 126s that detects when a game ball enters the first large winning hole 126, and a second large winning hole detection switch 128s that detects when a game ball enters the second large winning hole 128. Detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 700.

The main control board 700 is also connected to a normal electric device solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second starting opening 122, a first large winning opening solenoid 126c that operates the opening and closing door 126b that opens and closes the first large winning opening 126, and a second large winning opening solenoid 128c that operates the opening and closing door 128b that opens and closes the second large winning opening 128. The main control board 700 controls the opening and closing of the second starting opening 122, the first large winning opening 126, and the second large winning opening 128.

Furthermore, the first special pattern display 160, the second special pattern display 162, the first special pattern reserved display 164, the second special pattern reserved display 166, the normal pattern display 168, the normal pattern reserved display 170, and the right hit notification display 172 are connected to the main control board 700, and the display of each of these displays is controlled by the main control board 700.

The main control board 700 is also connected to a dispensing control board 710 and a sub-control board 720.

The payout control board 710 controls the launching of game balls and the payout of prize balls. This payout control board 710 also has a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and is connected to the main control board 700 so that it can communicate in both directions.

Specifically, the payout control board 710 controls a payout motor (not shown) to pay out the game balls stored in the storage section as prize balls to the player based on a payout number designation command sent from the main control board 700, thereby controlling the payout to pay out a specified number of prize balls to the player.

The payout control board 710 is also connected to a launch control circuit 711 for two-way communication. When the launch control circuit 711 detects that the player has touched the operating handle 112, it controls the launch of game balls by energizing a launch solenoid (not shown) provided in the game ball launcher in accordance with the operating angle of the operating handle 112.

The sub-control board 720 mainly controls each presentation during play, standby, etc. This sub-control board 720 is equipped with a sub-CPU 720a, sub-ROM 720b, sub-RAM 720c, and RTC 720d, and is connected to the main control board 700 so that it can communicate in one direction from the main control board 700 to the sub-control board 720. The sub-CPU 720a reads out the programs stored in the sub-ROM 720b and performs calculation processing based on commands sent from the main control board 700 and input signals from a timer, and also controls the execution of the presentations. At this time, the sub-RAM 720c functions as a work area for data during calculation processing by the sub-CPU 720a.

Specifically, the sub-control board 720 performs image display control to display images on the performance display unit 200a. The sub-ROM 720b stores a large number of different image data to be displayed on the performance display unit 200a, and the sub-CPU 720a reads the image data from the sub-ROM 720b to a VRAM (not shown) to control the image display on the performance display unit 200a.

The sub-control board 720 also controls the lighting of the performance lighting device 204, controls the audio output of the audio output device 206, and controls the movement of the performance prop device 300. Furthermore, it performs a predetermined process when an operation detection signal is input from the performance button detection switch 208s, which detects that the performance button 208 has been pressed.

The stage prop device 300 is composed of the upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 as described above. The upper movable device 400 has a lifting motor 410 that raises and lowers the first base 430 described below, and an upper advancement/retraction motor 420 that moves the first movable member 440 described below. The lower movable device 500 has a lower advancement/retraction motor 510 that moves the second movable member 540 described below. The sub-control board 720 drives and controls the lifting motor 410, the upper advancement/retraction motor 420, and the lower advancement/retraction motor 510, so that the upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 as the stage prop device 300 are each movable.

A power supply board (not shown) is connected to each board, 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 720d provided on the sub-control board 720 receives power from this backup power supply and keeps track of the current time.

(Movable state of the stage prop device)
Next, the movable state of the upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 as the performance role device 300 will be described. Fig. 4 is a front view of the housing 109 of the game board 108 when the performance role device 300 is in the standby position, and Fig. 5 is a front view of the housing 109 of the game board 108 when the performance role device 300 is in the movable position.

The housing 109 is configured so that a game board with numerous nails, windmills, etc. is attached to the front side, and the performance display device 200, etc. are attached to the back side. Note that the housing 109 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is shown in a state where the game board, performance display device 200, etc. have been removed.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the upper movable device 400 includes a first base 430 with a first decoration, a first movable member 440 (see Figure 5) with a plurality of lamps arranged thereon and with a specific decoration, a lifting motor 410 (see Figure 3) for raising and lowering the first base 430, and an upper forward and backward motor 420 (see Figure 3) for moving the first movable member 440 in a predetermined forward and backward direction (up and down) relative to the first base 430.

The first base 430 supports the first movable member 440, and both ends are screwed to a pair of helical shafts 450 extending in the vertical direction of the housing 109 so as to be movable up and down.

The lower movable device 500 includes a second base 530, a second movable member 540 that is decorated with a second decoration that is partially the same as the specific decoration on the first movable member 440, and a lower forward/backward motor 510 for moving the second movable member 540 in a predetermined forward/backward direction (up/down direction) relative to the second base 530.

The second base 530 supports the second movable member 540 and is fixed to the lower part of the housing 109.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the upper movable device 400 is in the standby position, the upper movable device 400 is located at the top of the housing 109.

When the upper movable device 400 is in the standby position, driving the lift motor 410 in the forward direction causes the first base 430 to move downward. At this time, the first movable member 440 supported by the first base 430 also moves downward.

As shown in FIG. 5, after the first base 430 moves downward, when the upper forward/backward motor 420 is driven in the forward rotation direction, the first movable member 440 moves in a predetermined forward direction (upward) relative to the first base 430, and the upper movable device 400 is positioned at the center of the performance display unit 200a so as to cover the performance display unit 200a.

After that, when the upper movable device 400 is positioned at the center of the performance display unit 200a, driving the upper advance/retract motor 420 in the reverse rotation direction causes the first movable member 440 to move in a predetermined retreat direction (downward) relative to the first base 430. Furthermore, when the lift motor 410 is driven in the reverse rotation direction, the first base 430 moves upward, allowing the upper movable device 400 to return to the standby position.

Also, as shown in FIG. 4, when the lower movable device 500 is in the standby position, the lower movable device 500 is located at the bottom of the housing 109.

When the lower movable device 500 is in the standby position and the lower advance/retract motor 510 is driven in the forward rotation direction, the second movable member 540 moves in a predetermined advance direction (upward) relative to the second base 530, as shown in FIG. 5, and the lower movable device 500 is positioned at the center of the performance display unit 200a so as to cover the performance display unit 200a.

Then, when the lower movable device 500 is positioned at the center of the performance display unit 200a, the lower advance/retract motor 510 is driven in the reverse rotation direction, whereby the second movable member 540 moves in a predetermined retreat direction (downward) relative to the second base 530, thereby returning the lower movable device 500 to the standby position.

In this way, the upper movable device 400 can move the entire upper movable device 400 in the up and down direction by the lifting motor 410, and the first movable member 440 can be moved in a predetermined forward and backward direction relative to the upper movable device 400 (first base 430) by the upper forward and backward motor 420, thereby performing two-stage movement.

The lower movable device 500 can also move the second movable member 540 in a predetermined forward/backward direction relative to the second base 530 by the lower forward/backward motor 510.

In addition, in this embodiment, the upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 are arranged in the housing 109 facing each other, and the upper movable device 400 can move in a direction toward the lower movable device 500, and the lower movable device 500 can also move in a direction toward the upper movable device 400, so the upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 can be moved to positions close to each other. This makes it possible to perform a moving performance in which the upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 are integrated (combined), which can further increase the interest of the game. Furthermore, since some of the decorations of the first movable member 440 and the second movable member 540 are common, it is possible to perform a moving performance in which the upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 are integrated.

(Configuration of upper movable device)
Next, a specific configuration of the upper movable device 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 8. Fig. 6 is a rear view of the upper movable device 400 in a state where the rotating protrusion 425 is in a lower limit position, Fig. 7 is a rear view of the upper movable device 400 in a state where the rotating protrusion 425 is in an intermediate position, and Fig. 8 is a rear view of the upper movable device 400 in a state where the rotating protrusion 425 is in an upper limit position. Figs. 6(a), 7(a) and 8(a) are rear views of the upper movable device 400 with the cover 470 attached, and Figs. 6(b), 7(b) and 8(b) are rear views of the upper movable device 400 with the cover 470 removed.

In addition, in Figures 6 to 8, the direction in which the first movable member 440 moves upward from the center of the performance display unit 200a is referred to as the first advance direction F1, and the direction opposite to the first advance direction F1 is referred to as the first retreat direction R1. In this embodiment, the first advance direction F1 corresponds to the upward direction, and the first retreat direction R1 corresponds to the downward direction, but the specific directions of movement are not limited, and for example, the first advance direction F1 may be the leftward direction and the first retreat direction R1 may be the rightward direction.

As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the upper movable device 400 includes a first base 430, a first movable member 440, an upper advancement/retraction motor 420, a number of gears 421 to 424 that rotate when driven by the upper advancement/retraction motor 420, and an upper arm 460 that supports the first movable member 440 and movably connects the first movable member 440 and the first gear 421.

The multiple gears 421 to 424 are supported on a first base 430 and are composed of a first gear 421, a second gear 422, a third gear 423, and a fourth gear 424.

The first gear 421 is spaced radially from the center of the first gear 421 and has a rotation protrusion 425 that protrudes toward the upper arm 460.

The outer periphery of the first gear 421 is meshed with the second gear 422. Similarly, the outer periphery of the second gear 422 is meshed with the first gear 421 and the third gear 423, and the outer periphery of the third gear 423 is meshed with the second gear 422 and the fourth gear 424. The outer periphery of the fourth gear 424 is meshed with the third gear 423 and is attached to the rotating shaft of the upper advancement/retraction motor 420. As a result, when the rotating shaft of the upper advancement/retraction motor 420 rotates, the driving force of the upper advancement/retraction motor 420 is transmitted to the multiple gears 421 to 424, and each of the first gear 423, the second gear 422, the third gear 423, and the fourth gear 424 rotates.

One end of the upper arm 460 is supported by a first pivot support 461 on the first base 430, and the other end is supported by a second pivot support 462 on the first movable member 440. The upper arm 460 is also formed with a first long hole 465 into which the rotation protrusion 425 is inserted, and a second long hole 466 into which the second pivot support 462 is inserted. When the rotation protrusion 425 of the first gear 421 is inserted into the first long hole 465, the rotation force of the first gear 421 is transmitted to the upper arm 460, causing the upper arm 460 to move, thereby moving the first movable member 440.

The first long hole 465 is formed so that, in a rear view of the upper movable device 400, the rotating protrusion 425 can move along a substantially C-shaped movement locus centered on the pivot support 421a of the first gear 421. Therefore, the rotating protrusion 425 can move along a substantially C-shaped movement locus from a lower limit position that is a limit point slightly above the lowest end position to an upper limit position that is a limit point slightly below the highest end position.

The second long hole 466 is formed so that the second pivot support 462 can move along a path parallel to the first advancing direction F1 when viewed from the rear of the upper movable device 400. As a result, when the upper arm 460 moves, the first movable member 440 moves in the first advancing direction F1 or the first retreating direction R1.

As shown in Figures 6(a), 7(a) and 8(a), the cover 470 is attached to the first base 430 and covers at least the multiple gears 421-424 and the rotating protrusion 425 from the rear side of the upper movable device 400.

In addition, an opening 471 is formed in the cover 470, facing a partial area of the third gear 423. More specifically, the opening 471 is formed in the cover 470 in an area facing a part of the meshing teeth 423a where the third gear 423 meshes with the second gear 423 and the fourth gear 424.

The opening 471 is formed in a generally rectangular shape with a width Z in the longitudinal direction. This width Z is configured to be a length (hereinafter also referred to as the "releasable distance length") that allows the rotation protrusion 425 to move from the lower limit position to the lowest end position where the first movable member 440 is released from its hold, as described below, or from the upper limit position to the highest end position where the first movable member 440 is released from its hold, when a jig such as a pin is inserted to rotate the third gear 423 by the width Z.

In this embodiment, the opening 471 is formed in the cover 470 in an area facing a portion of the meshing teeth 423a of the third gear 423, but it may be formed in the cover 470 in an area facing a portion of the meshing teeth of any of the first gear 421, the second gear 422, and the fourth gear 424. Furthermore, it may be formed in the cover 470 in an area facing the main body of any of the first gear 421, the second gear 422, the third gear 423, and the fourth gear 424.

In this embodiment, the width Z of the opening 471 is set to the length of the releasable distance, but if there is a problem such as a decrease in the strength of the cover 470 due to the size of the opening 471, the width Z of the opening 471 may be set to a length equal to or less than the releasable distance (for example, 1/2 the releasable distance). By providing an opening opposite at least one of the first gear 421, the second gear 422, the third gear 423, and the fourth gear 424, the retention of the first movable member 440 can be released manually using a jig such as a pin without driving the motor by the upper advance/retract motor 420. This makes it possible to check the structure of the upper movable device 400 during development or inspection without connecting the power source.

In addition, in this embodiment, the opening 471 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, but as long as the width Z is configured to a length that allows the pivoting protrusion 425 to move from the lower limit position to the lowest end position, or from the upper limit position to the highest end position, when the third gear 423 of width Z is rotated, the shape of the opening 471 may be elliptical, circular, or diamond-shaped. In other words, as long as the width Z is a length that allows the pivoting protrusion 425 to be unlocked, the shape of the opening 471 is not limited.

Figure 6 illustrates the state in which the rotating protrusion 425 is at the lower limit position. The imaginary line S1 is a vertical imaginary line that passes through the center of the pivot support 421a. The imaginary line L1 is a horizontal imaginary line that touches the apex of the first moving member 440 in the first advancing direction F1 when the rotating protrusion 425 is at the lowest end position (when the first movable member 440 is at the lowest end movable position). The rotation direction K1 is the rotation direction of the first gear 421 when the upper forward/reverse motor 420 is driven in the forward rotation direction, and is also the rotation direction of the rotating protrusion 425. When the first gear 421 rotates in the rotation direction K1, the first movable member 440 moves in the first advancing direction F1, and when the first gear 421 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction K1, the first movable member 440 moves in the first retreating direction R1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the lower limit position of the pivot protrusion 425 is at a limit point slightly above the lowest end position of the pivot protrusion 425, and is located on the opposite side of the imaginary line S1 to the direction of travel when the pivot direction K1 intersects with the imaginary line S1 below. In this embodiment, the lower limit position of the pivot protrusion 425 is located slightly shifted to the left from the front view (right from the rear view) from the imaginary line S1.

When the pivot protrusion 425 is in the lower limit position, even if an external force acts on the first movable member 440 in the first advancing direction F1, the movement of the pivot protrusion 425 in the first advancing direction F1 is restricted (locked), and the position of the first movable member 440 is structurally maintained.

When the rotating protrusion 425 is at the lower limit position, the first gear 421 rotates in the rotation direction K1 by the drive of the upper forward/backward motor 420, and the rotating protrusion 425 moves from the lower limit position to the lowest position. At this time, the first movable member 440 first moves in the first backward direction R1, and when the rotating protrusion 425 reaches the lowest position (when the rotating protrusion 425 reaches the lowest intersection point where it intersects with the virtual line S1), the first movable member 440 reaches the lowest movable position.

In addition, when the pivot protrusion 425 reaches the lowest end position from the lower limit position, the restriction (lock) on the movement of the pivot protrusion 425 in the first advancement direction F1 is released.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the first gear 421 rotates in the rotation direction K1 and the rotation protrusion 425 moves from the lowest position to the highest position, the first movable member 440 moves in the first advancement direction F1.

Then, when the pivot protrusion 425 reaches the uppermost position (when the pivot protrusion 425 reaches the uppermost intersection point where it intersects with the virtual line S1), the first movable member 440 reaches the uppermost movable position.

On the movement trajectory of the pivot protrusion 425 from the lowest position to the highest position, the restriction (lock) on the movement of the pivot protrusion 425 in the first advancing direction F1 and the first retracting direction R1 is released, and when an external force in the first advancing direction F1 or the first retracting direction R1 acts on the first movable member 440, the first movable member 440 can move in the first advancing direction F1 or the first retracting direction R1.

Figure 8 illustrates the state in which the pivot protrusion 425 is in the uppermost position. Also, the imaginary line H1 is a horizontal imaginary line that touches the apex of the first movable member 440 in the first advancement direction F1 when the pivot protrusion 425 is in the uppermost position (when the first movable member 440 is in the uppermost movable position).

As shown in FIG. 8, the upper limit position of the rotating protrusion 425 is at a limit point slightly below the uppermost end position of the rotating protrusion 425, and is located on the traveling direction side of the imaginary line S1 when the rotation direction K1 intersects with the imaginary line S1 above. In this embodiment, the upper limit position of the rotating protrusion 425 is located slightly shifted to the left from the front view (right from the rear view) from the imaginary line S1.

When the pivot protrusion 425 is in the upper limit position, even if the weight of the first movable member 440 or an external force in the first retraction direction R1 acts on the first movable member 440, the movement of the pivot protrusion 425 in the first retraction direction R1 is restricted (locked), and the position of the first movable member 440 is structurally maintained.

When the rotating protrusion 425 is at the upper limit position, the first gear 421 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction K1 by the drive of the upper forward/backward motor 420, and the rotating protrusion 425 moves from the upper limit position to the uppermost position. At this time, the first movable member 440 first moves in the first forward direction F1, and when the rotating protrusion 425 reaches the uppermost position, the first movable member 440 reaches the uppermost movable position.

In addition, when the pivot protrusion 425 reaches the uppermost position from the upper limit position, the restriction (lock) on the movement of the pivot protrusion 425 in the first backward direction R1 is released.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the first gear 421 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction K1 and the rotation protrusion 425 moves from the uppermost position to the lowermost position, the first movable member 440 moves in the first backward direction R1.

Then, when the pivot protrusion 425 reaches the lowest position (when the pivot protrusion 425 reaches the lowest intersection point where it intersects with the virtual line S1), the first movable member 440 reaches the lowest movable position.

Furthermore, when the first gear 421 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction K1 and the rotation protrusion 425 reaches the lower limit position, the movement of the rotation protrusion 425 in the first advancement direction F1 is restricted (locked), and the position of the first movable member 440 is again maintained.

In this way, according to the upper movable device 400 of this embodiment, when the pivot protrusion 425 is in the upper limit position or the lower limit position, the movement of the pivot protrusion 425 in the first retreat direction R1 or the first advance direction F1 is restricted (locked), and the first movable member 440 can be stably held.

In addition, by inserting a tool such as a pin into the opening 471 formed in the cover 470 and rotating the third gear 423, the restriction (lock) of the rotation protrusion 425 can be easily released manually, making inspection work easier.

In addition, according to the upper movable device 400 of this embodiment, the "movement between the lowest end position and the lower limit position" and the "movement between the highest end position and the upper limit position" by the rotating protrusion 425 are operations that cannot be performed unless a force is applied to one of the multiple gears 421-424 or the upper arm 460 itself, such as by driving the motor by the upper forward/backward motor 420 or by inserting a jig such as a pin into the opening 471. If an external force is applied to the first movable member 440 itself, the rotating protrusion 425 cannot "move between the lowest end position and the lower limit position" or "move between the highest end position and the upper limit position".

On the other hand, the restriction (lock) of the rotating protrusion 425 is released on the movement trajectory between the lowest end position and the highest end position by the rotating protrusion 425. Therefore, after the lock of the rotating protrusion 425 is released, even if a force in the first advancing direction F1 or the first retreating direction R1 is applied to the first movable member 440 from the outside, the rotating protrusion 425 does not reach the upper limit position or the lower limit position and the rotating protrusion 425 is not locked, making inspection work easier. In other words, after the lock of the rotating protrusion 425 is released, even if the first movable member 440 is grasped by hand and manually moved between the highest end movable position and the lowest end movable position, the rotating protrusion 425 is not locked, making inspection work easier.

(Configuration of the lower movable device)
Next, a specific configuration of the lower movable device 500 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is a front view of the lower movable device 500 in a state where the rotational coupling part 525 is in a lower limit position, Figure 10 is a front view of the lower movable device 500 in a state where the rotational coupling part 525 is in an intermediate position, and Figure 11 is a front view of the lower movable device 500 in a state where the rotational coupling part 525 is in an upper limit position.

In addition, in Figures 9 to 11, the direction in which the second movable member 540 moves toward the center of the performance display unit 200a is referred to as the second advancing direction F2, and the direction opposite to the second advancing direction F2 is referred to as the second retreating direction R2. In this embodiment, the second advancing direction F2 corresponds to the upward direction, and the second retreating direction R2 corresponds to the downward direction, but the specific directions of movement are not limited, and for example, the second advancing direction F2 may be the rightward direction, and the second retreating direction R2 may be the leftward direction.

As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the lower movable device 500 includes a second base 530, a second movable member 540, a lower advancement/retraction motor 510, an arm gear 521 that rotates when driven by the lower advancement/retraction motor 510, and a lower arm 560 that supports the second movable member 540 and movably connects the second movable member 540 and the arm gear 521.

The arm gear 521 is supported by the second base 530. Although not shown in the figure, a motor gear is attached to the rotating shaft of the downward advancement/retraction motor 510, and the motor gear is meshed with an intermediate gear, which is meshed with the arm gear 521. As a result, when the rotating shaft of the downward advancement/retraction motor 510 rotates, the driving force of the downward advancement/retraction motor 510 is transmitted via multiple gears, causing the arm gear 521 to rotate.

In addition, the arm gear 521 is formed with a pivot connection portion 525 that is spaced radially from the center of the arm gear 521, protrudes toward the lower arm 560, and is connected to the lower arm 560.

The lower arm 560 is formed in a roughly C-shape when viewed from the front of the lower movable device 500, with one end connected to the arm gear 521 by a pivot connection 525 and the other end connected to the second movable member 540 by an arm shaft support 562 (see FIG. 11). This allows the driving force of the lower advance/retract motor 510 to be transmitted to the lower arm 560, causing the lower arm 560 to move, thereby moving the second movable member 540.

In addition, the lower arm 560 is formed with a protrusion 563 that protrudes from the front side of the lower movable device 500. The lower arm 560 can also be moved manually by grasping this protrusion 563.

The pivoting connector 525 is configured to be movable along a roughly C-shaped movement trajectory centered on the pivot support 521a of the arm gear 521. Therefore, the pivoting connector 525 can move along a roughly C-shaped movement trajectory from a lower limit position that is a limit point slightly above the lowest end position to an upper limit position that is a limit point slightly below the highest end position.

Figure 9 illustrates the state in which the pivot connector 525 is at the lower limit position. The imaginary line S2 is a vertical imaginary line that passes through the center of the pivot support 521a. The imaginary line L2 is a horizontal imaginary line that touches the apex of the second moving member 540 in the second advancing direction F2 when the pivot connector 525 is at the lowest end position (when the second moving member 540 is at the lowest end movable position). The rotation direction K2 is the rotation direction of the arm gear 521 when the lower advancement/retraction motor 510 is driven in the forward rotation direction, and is also the rotation direction of the pivot connector 525. When the arm gear 521 rotates in the rotation direction K2, the second moving member 540 moves in the second advancing direction F2, and when the arm gear 521 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction K2, the second moving member 540 moves in the second retreating direction R2.

As shown in FIG. 9, the lower limit position of the pivot connector 525 is at a limit point slightly above the lowest end position of the pivot connector 525, and is located on the opposite side of the imaginary line S1 to the direction of travel when the pivot direction K2 intersects with the imaginary line S2 below. In this embodiment, the lower limit position of the pivot connector 525 is located slightly shifted to the right from the imaginary line S2 when viewed from the front.

When the pivot connection part 525 is in the lower limit position, even if an external force acts on the second movable member 540 in the second advancing direction F2, the movement of the pivot connection part 525 in the second advancing direction F2 is restricted (locked), and the position of the second movable member 540 is structurally maintained.

When the pivoting connector 525 is at the lower limit position, the arm gear 521 rotates in the rotation direction K2 by the drive of the lower advance/retract motor 510, and the pivoting connector 525 moves from the lower limit position to the lowest position. At this time, the second movable member 540 first moves in the second retreat direction R2, and when the pivoting connector 525 reaches the lowest position (when the pivoting connector 525 reaches the lowest intersection point where it intersects with the virtual line S2), the second movable member 540 reaches the lowest movable position.

In addition, when the pivot connector 525 reaches the lowest end position from the lower limit position, the restriction (lock) on the movement of the pivot connector 525 in the second advancement direction F2 is released.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the arm gear 521 rotates in the rotation direction K2 and the rotation connector 525 moves from the lowest position to the highest position, the second movable member 540 moves in the second advancement direction F2.

Then, when the pivot connector 525 reaches the uppermost position (when the pivot connector 525 reaches the uppermost intersection point where it intersects with the virtual line S2), the second movable member 540 reaches the uppermost movable position.

On the movement trajectory of the pivot connector 525 from the lowest position to the highest position, the restriction (lock) on the movement of the pivot connector 525 in the second advancing direction F2 and the second retreating direction R2 is released, and when an external force in the second advancing direction F2 or the second retreating direction R2 acts on the second movable member 540, the second movable member 540 can move in the second advancing direction F2 or the second retreating direction R2.

Figure 11 illustrates the state in which the pivot connector 525 is in the uppermost position. Also, the imaginary line H2 is a horizontal imaginary line that touches the apex of the second movable member 540 in the second advancing direction F2 when the pivot connector 525 is in the uppermost position (when the second movable member 540 is in the uppermost movable position).

As shown in FIG. 11, the upper limit position of the pivot connector 525 is at a limit point slightly below the uppermost end position of the pivot connector 525, and is located on the traveling direction side of the imaginary line S2 when the pivot direction K2 intersects with the imaginary line S2 above. In this embodiment, the upper limit position of the pivot connector 525 is located slightly shifted to the right of the imaginary line S2 when viewed from the front.

When the pivot connection 525 is in the upper limit position, even if the weight of the second movable member 540 or an external force in the second retreat direction R2 acts on the second movable member 540, the movement of the pivot connection 525 in the second retreat direction R2 is restricted (locked), and the position of the second movable member 540 is structurally maintained.

When the pivot connection 525 is at the upper limit position, the arm gear 521 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction K2 due to the drive of the lower advance/retract motor 510, causing the pivot connection 525 to move from the upper limit position to the uppermost position. At this time, the second movable member 540 first moves in the second advance direction F2, and when the pivot connection 525 reaches the uppermost position, the second movable member 540 reaches the uppermost movable position.

When the pivot connection 525 reaches the uppermost position from the upper limit position, the restriction (lock) on the movement of the pivot protrusion 425 in the second backward direction R2 is released.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the arm gear 521 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction K2 and the rotation connector 525 moves from the uppermost position to the lowermost position, the second movable member 540 moves in the second retreat direction R2.

Then, when the pivot connector 525 reaches the lowest position (when the pivot connector 525 reaches the lowest intersection point where it intersects with the virtual line S2), the second movable member 540 reaches the lowest movable position.

Furthermore, when the arm gear 521 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction K2 and the rotation connector 525 reaches the lower limit position, the movement of the rotation connector 525 in the second advancement direction F2 is restricted (locked), and the position of the second movable member 440 is again maintained.

As shown in FIG. 9, even when the second movable member 540 reaches the lowest movable position, the pivot connection 525 and the protrusion 563 are not covered by the lower portion 541 of the second movable member 540 and are spaced a predetermined distance from the second movable member 540. This makes it difficult for the second movable member 540 to collide with the pivot connection 525 and the protrusion 563, preventing damage or malfunction of the lower movable device 500. Furthermore, because the protrusion 563 is not covered by the second movable member 540, it is easier to grasp the protrusion 563 and facilitates inspection work.

Furthermore, the pivot connector 525 and the protrusion 563 are formed at a height that will not contact the lower portion 541 of the second movable member 540 even if the second movable member 540 is pushed beyond the lowest movable position to an unintended position and becomes covered by the lower portion 541 of the second movable member 540. This prevents the second movable member 540 from colliding with the pivot connector 525 and the protrusion 563, preventing damage or malfunction of the lower movable device 500.

In this way, according to the lower movable device 500 of this embodiment, when the pivotal connection part 525 is in the upper limit position or the lower limit position, the movement of the pivotal connection part 525 in the second advancing direction F2 or the second retracting direction R2 is restricted (locked), and the second movable member 540 can be stably held.

In addition, since the pivot connection 525 and the protrusion 563 are not covered by the second movable member 540, by grasping the pivot connection 525 or the protrusion 563 and rotating the arm gear 521, the restriction on the pivot connection 525 can be easily released manually, facilitating inspection work.

In addition, according to the lower movable device 500 of this embodiment, the "movement between the lowest end position and the lower limit position" and the "movement between the highest end position and the upper limit position" by the rotating connector 525 are operations that cannot be performed unless a force is applied to the arm gear 521 or the lower arm 560 itself, such as by driving the motor by the lower forward/backward motor 510 or by gripping the rotating connector 525 and the protrusion 563. If an external force is applied to the second movable member 540 itself, the rotating connector 525 cannot "move between the lowest end position and the lower limit position" or "move between the highest end position and the upper limit position".

On the other hand, the restriction (lock) of the pivot connection 525 is released on the movement trajectory between the lowest end position and the highest end position by the pivot connection 525. Therefore, after the lock of the pivot connection 525 is released, even if a force in the second advancing direction F2 or the second retreating direction R2 is applied to the second movable member 540 from the outside, the pivot connection 525 does not reach the upper limit position or the lower limit position, and the pivot protrusion 425 is not locked, making inspection work easier. In other words, after the lock of the pivot connection 525 is released, even if the second movable member 540 is grasped by hand and manually moved between the highest end movable position and the lowest end movable position, the pivot protrusion 425 is not locked, making inspection work easier.

In this embodiment, the upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 are described as being applied to a pachinko gaming machine, but the upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 may also be applied to a slot machine (a reel-type gaming machine). When applied to a slot machine, the upper movable device 400 and the lower movable device 500 may be provided above or below the reels so as not to impede the visibility of the reels.

The first movable member 440 in this embodiment corresponds to the "movable member" of the present invention, and the upper movable device 400 in this embodiment corresponds to the "movable device" of the present invention.
In addition, the upper forward/backward motor 420 in this embodiment corresponds to the "drive unit" of the present invention, and the first gear 421, the second gear 422, the third gear 423 and the fourth gear 424 in this embodiment correspond to the "gears" of the present invention.
The upper arm 460 in this embodiment corresponds to the "arm" of the present invention, and the rotation protrusion 425 in this embodiment corresponds to the "connecting portion" of the present invention.
Moreover, the cover 470 in this embodiment corresponds to the "cover" of the present invention, and the opening 471 in this embodiment corresponds to the "opening" of the present invention.
In addition, the upper limit position of the rotating protrusion 425 in this embodiment corresponds to the "first restriction position" of the present invention, and the lower limit position of the rotating protrusion 425 in this embodiment corresponds to the "second restriction position" of the present invention.
Furthermore, the first retraction direction R1 in this embodiment corresponds to the "first movable direction" of the invention, and the first advancement direction F1 in this embodiment corresponds to the "second movable direction" of the invention.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or revised examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

100 Gaming machine 400 Upper movable device 410 Lifting motor 420 Upper advance/retract motor 421 First gear 422 Second gear 423 Third gear 424 Fourth gear 425 Rotating protrusion 430 First base 440 First movable member 460 Upper arm 465 First long hole 470 Cover 471 Opening 500 Lower movable device 510 Lower advance/retract motor 521 Arm gear 525 Rotating connection 530 Second base 540 Second movable member 560 Lower arm 563 Protrusion

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine equipped with a movable device having a movable member,
The movable device is
A rotatable gear;
An arm that moves the movable member;
a connecting portion that connects the arm and the gear;
a cover that covers at least the gear and the connecting portion;
having
When the gear is rotated, the position of the connecting portion moves, and the arm moves via the connecting portion, thereby moving the position of the movable member.
The connecting portion is configured to be movable along a substantially C-shaped movement locus centered on the gear on which the connecting portion is formed,
When the connecting portion reaches a first restriction position below the uppermost end on the movement path, the position of the movable member is maintained even if a force in a first movable direction acts on the movable member,
When the connecting portion reaches a second restriction position above the lowermost end on the movement path, the position of the movable member is maintained even if a force in a second movable direction opposite to the first movable direction acts on the movable member,
An opening is formed in the cover so as to face a portion of the gear ,
the opening has a length that allows the connecting portion to be moved from the first regulating position to the uppermost end, or from the second regulating position to the lowermost end, when a jig is inserted into the opening and the gear is rotated.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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