JP4159020B2

JP4159020B2 - Game machine accessory, game machine winning device and game machine

Info

Publication number: JP4159020B2
Application number: JP2002082747A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 義一足立; 隆之神田
Original assignee: 日本ぱちんこ部品株式会社
Priority date: 2002-03-25
Filing date: 2002-03-25
Publication date: 2008-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-25
Also published as: JP2003275412A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、遊技機用役物、遊技機用入賞装置及び遊技機に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、いわゆるチューリップ、羽根物等の、所定の遊技条件の成立に基づいて開閉部材（回動翼片、羽根とも称される）が開閉する遊技機用入賞装置においては、その開閉部材の駆動力としてソレノイドを用いる方法が使用されている。また、特定の遊技状態において特別な仕掛けを作動させる遊技機用役物においても、作動部材の駆動力としてソレノイドが広く用いられている。具体的には、開閉部材や作動部材（遊技球誘導部材）と連動する駆動軸が通電によってコイル内に引き込まれるようになっており、その駆動軸と連動させる形で開閉部材を開かせたり、作動部材を作動させたりする手法が採られている。
【０００３】
従来のようなソレノイドによる手法であると、駆動軸をコイル内において保持し続けるには通電状態を維持せねばならず、それに伴ってコイルに発熱が生じる可能性があった。そこで本発明者らは、特願２００１−４０２０８４において、電動モータを用いるとともに位置保持中に駆動電力の供給を停止することにより、このような発熱を軽減することを提案した。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、電動モータを採用する場合、遊技球誘導部材が閉じられる際に複数の遊技球が入球して、いわゆる球噛み（球詰まり）が発生したときに、遊技球誘導部材に無理に閉じる力が作用して破損したり、モータに過大な負荷がかかり故障したりすることがある。
【０００５】
本発明の解決すべき課題は、遊技球誘導部材に球噛みが発生した状態でも、遊技球誘導部材や電動モータの損傷を防止できる遊技機用役物及び遊技機用入賞装置、並びにこのような遊技機用役物又は遊技機用入賞装置を用いた遊技機を提供することにある。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段及び発明の効果】
上記のような課題を解決するために本発明の遊技機用役物は、
遊技機の盤面上において、流下する遊技球の移動方向を調節するために、遊技者にとって相対的に不利な第一位置と相対的に有利な第二位置とに変位可能にかつ少なくとも第一位置において位置保持可能に設けられ、自身の変位により前記遊技球の入賞のし易さ及び移動径路のうち少なくとも一方を設定する遊技球誘導部材と、
駆動出力部を有するとともに、その駆動出力部を前記第一位置及び第二位置に対応する二位置にそれぞれ駆動変位させる駆動アクチュエータと、
前記駆動出力部の直線的な駆動変位を、その変位方向に沿って伝達する直線伝達部と、その直線伝達部における直線的変位を回転軸線回りに回転可能に設けられる前記遊技球誘導部材の回転変位に変換する回転伝達部とを含む中間伝達部材を介して前記遊技球誘導部材の変位に変換しつつその遊技球誘導部材に伝達する伝達機構とを有する遊技機用役物であって、
前記駆動アクチュエータは前記駆動出力部が直線的に変位する電動リニアモータで構成されるとともに、
前記伝達機構は、
前記中間伝達部材の直線伝達部と回転伝達部との間に介装され、前記第一位置に位置する、又はその第一位置方向に移動中の前記遊技球誘導部材に対して前記第二位置方向への外力が作用した場合に、その遊技球誘導部材の第二位置方向への移動を許容する移動許容機構と、
その移動許容状態にある前記遊技球誘導部材を前記第一位置方向に付勢する付勢手段とを備え、
複数の遊技球が入球することにより発生する球噛みに伴って前記遊技球誘導部材に対して前記第二位置方向への外力が作用した場合に、前記移動許容機構による前記遊技球誘導部材の第二位置方向への移動と、前記付勢手段による前記遊技球誘導部材の第一位置方向への付勢とによって前記遊技球誘導部材が揺り動かされるように振動することを特徴とする。
【０００７】
このような構成によれば、駆動アクチュエータとして電動リニアモータを用いることによって、ソレノイドと同等の狭いスペースでの駆動出力部の直線的な駆動変位が確保され、しかも第一位置（一般的には閉鎖位置を指す；以下、閉位置ともいう）において通電状態を維持しなくても遊技球誘導部材の位置保持が可能となる。しかも、遊技球誘導部材が閉位置にあるとき又は閉じられるときに球噛みが発生した状態でも、移動許容機構による遊技球誘導部材の第二位置（一般的には開放位置を指す；以下、開位置ともいう）方向への移動によって、遊技球誘導部材や電動モータの損傷を防止できる。さらに、移動許容機構による開位置方向への移動と付勢手段による閉位置方向への付勢とによって、遊技球誘導部材は揺り動かされるように振動され、軽微な球噛み状態であれば自然解消して正常な状態に復帰できるので、遊技を中断して興趣を損なわずにすむ。
【０００８】
ここで、「電動リニアモータ」として、リニアステッピングモータ（リニアパルスモータ）、リニアＤＣモータ、リニアシンクロナスモータ、リニアインダクションモータ等を用いることができる。そのうち、リニアステッピングモータを用いた場合には、遊技球誘導部材の開閉位置間の変位量が、リニアステッピングモータへの駆動パルスの入力数に応じて定められるように伝達機構を構成し、駆動パルスの入力が停止されたときの駆動出力部の駆動変位に対応する遊技球誘導部材の変位位置（すなわち開位置又は閉位置）を保持するようにしてもよい。
【０００９】
このような中間伝達部材は、駆動出力部の直線的な駆動変位をその変位方向に沿って伝達する直線伝達部と、その直線伝達部における直線的変位を、回転軸線回りに回転可能に設けられる遊技球誘導部材の回転変位に変換する回転伝達部と、を有するように構成できる。直線的に変位する電動リニアモータの駆動出力部で発生する駆動力が、直線伝達部と回転伝達部とを介して、回転変位する遊技球誘導部材へ伝達されるので、途中でのエネルギーロスを少なくして効率よく動力伝達される。
【００１０】
また、そのような遊技機用役物の伝達機構は、駆動出力部の駆動変位に基づく遊技球誘導部材の変位を直接又は中間伝達部材により間接的に検出する検出手段を備え、検出手段によって球噛みが継続した状態を検出することができる。
【００１１】
このような構成によれば、上記したように遊技球誘導部材に球噛みが発生した状態でも、遊技球誘導部材や電動モータの損傷を防止できるとともに、駆動出力部の駆動変位に基づく遊技球誘導部材の変位を検出する検出手段を設けることによって、このような球噛みが発生した状態（あるいは球噛みが継続した状態）を的確に検出することができる。したがって、遊技機の盤面上における異常事態である球噛み状態を遊技店員や遊技者に報知することが可能となる。また、伝達機構に移動許容機構と付勢手段とを設けたことによって、遊技球誘導部材を意図的に開位置に変位させようとする不正行為も可能となるが、上記検出手段を設けることによって、かかる不正行為が行われたこと（あるいは継続して行われていること）も的確に検出することができる。したがって、遊技機の盤面上における不正行為を遊技店員や遊技者に報知することも可能となる。
【００１２】
具体的には、例えば遊技機用入賞装置において、
遊技機の盤面上において、遊技球を受け入れる入賞口に開閉可能に取り付けられ、前記入賞口を塞ぐ、又は入賞口の開口を狭くする第一位置と、その第一位置よりも前記入賞口の開口を広くする第二位置とに変位可能にかつ少なくとも第一位置において位置保持可能に設けられ、自身の変位により前記遊技球の入賞のし易さを設定する遊技球誘導部材と、
駆動出力部を有するとともに、その駆動出力部を前記第一位置及び第二位置に対応する二位置にそれぞれ駆動変位させる駆動アクチュエータと、
前記駆動出力部の直線的な駆動変位を、その変位方向に沿って伝達する直線伝達部と、その直線伝達部における直線的変位を回転軸線回りに回転可能に設けられる前記遊技球誘導部材の回転変位に変換する回転伝達部とを含む中間伝達部材を介して前記遊技球誘導部材の変位に変換しつつその遊技球誘導部材に伝達する伝達機構とを有する遊技機用入賞装置であって、
前記駆動アクチュエータは前記駆動出力部が直線的に変位する電動リニアモータで構成されるとともに、
前記伝達機構は、
前記中間伝達部材の直線伝達部と回転伝達部との間に介装され、前記第一位置に位置する、又はその第一位置方向に移動中の前記遊技球誘導部材に対して前記第二位置方向への外力が作用した場合に、その遊技球誘導部材の第二位置方向への移動を許容する移動許容機構と、
その移動許容状態にある前記遊技球誘導部材を前記第一位置方向に付勢する付勢手段と、
前記駆動出力部の駆動変位により決定される前記遊技球誘導部材の前記第一位置が検出基準位置として設定されるとともに、その第一位置に対応する変位位置にて前記中間伝達部材を検出する検出手段とを備え、
複数の遊技球が入球することにより発生する球噛みに伴って前記遊技球誘導部材に対して前記第二位置方向への外力が作用した場合に、前記移動許容機構による前記遊技球誘導部材の第二位置方向への移動と、前記付勢手段による前記遊技球誘導部材の第一位置方向への付勢とによって前記遊技球誘導部材が揺り動かされるように振動し、前記検出手段によって前記球噛みが継続した状態を検出することを特徴とする。
【００１３】
このような構成によれば、遊技機用入賞装置の入賞口に取り付けられた遊技球誘導部材に球噛みが発生した状態でも、遊技球誘導部材や電動モータの損傷を防止できる。また、このような球噛みが発生した状態（あるいは球噛みが継続した状態）及び遊技球誘導部材を意図的に開位置に変位させようとする不正行為が行われたこと（あるいは継続して行われていること）を的確に検出することができる。そして、その検出手段の検出基準位置は遊技球誘導部材の第一位置（すなわち閉位置）に設定されており、一方の当事者である遊技者にとっては、球噛み状態等の早期発見が可能となるため大当たり等の有利な遊技状況を逃さずにすみ、他方の当事者である遊技店にとっては、不正行為等の早期発見と迅速な対処が可能となるため損害を抑えることができる。さらに、この検出手段は、検出基準位置に対応する中間伝達部材の変位位置を検出するので、仮に球噛み状態や不正行為によって遊技球誘導部材が損傷を受けたとしても、これらの異常事態を的確に検出できる。
【００１４】
そして、以上に述べたような遊技機用役物又は遊技機用入賞装置を盤面に備えることにより、球噛みの発生に捕らわれることなく遊技球誘導部材に一層興趣に富んだ動きをさせることができるので、よりゲーム性の高い遊技機を実現することができるようになる。
【００１５】
なお、本明細書において、「遊技機用入賞装置」とは、賞球払出しの対象となる入賞口を備えた遊技機用役物（例えば、遊技機用電動チューリップ、遊技機用振分け入賞装置、遊技機用入賞口部材（チャッカとも称する）、遊技機用大入賞口部材（アタッカとも称する）等）をいう。また、「遊技機用役物」とは、遊技状態に直接関与し、特別な仕掛けを備えた遊技装置（例えば、遊技機用遊技球遊動装置（スロープ、クルーン等とも称する）、遊技機用ワープ樋、遊技機用風車、遊技機用サイドランプ等）をいう。さらに、「遊技装置」とは、遊技機の遊技状態に関わる諸装置を指し、賞球払出装置、発射装置、遊技球や賞球の各種検知センサ等も含まれる。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の実施の形態を図面に示す実施例を参照しつつ説明する。
図１は本発明の遊技機用役物のうち遊技機用入賞装置の一例として、遊技機用電動チューリップを示す分解斜視図、図２は一部を省略した組立斜視図である。図１に示すように、遊技機用電動チューリップ（以下、単に電動チューリップともいう）１の基本的な構成は、遊技球誘導部材としての一対の羽根状の開口調節部材１０，１０と、開口調節部材１０，１０の駆動アクチュエータたる電動リニアモータとしてのリニアステッピングモータ（以下、単にモータともいう）２と、後述する１又は複数の中間伝達部材からなる伝達機構２０とを有している。
【００１７】
開口調節部材１０，１０は、遊技機１００（図１０参照）の盤面１０１上において、流下する遊技球の移動方向を調節するために、遊技者にとって相対的に不利な第一位置と相対的に有利な第二位置とに変位可能にかつそれら二位置において位置保持可能に設けられ、その変位により遊技球の入賞のし易さを設定している。具体的には、開口調節部材１０，１０は、遊技球を受け入れる入賞口７（図２参照）に開閉可能に取り付けられ、入賞口７を塞ぐ、又は入賞口７の開口を狭くする第一位置（閉位置；図２（ａ）参照）と、その閉位置よりも入賞口７の開口を広くする第二位置（開位置；図２（ｂ）参照）とに変位可能である。本実施例において入賞口７の開口は、一対の開口調節部材１０，１０の対向面間に形成され、閉位置においておよそ遊技球１個分の隙間を有している。なお、以下の記載において、盤面１０１（図１０参照）から遊技者に向かう向きを前方（又は表側）、その反対向きを後方（又は裏側）という。また、遊技球の流下する向きを下方、その反対向きを上方という。
【００１８】
リニアステッピングモータ２は、軸線方向に直線的に変位する駆動出力部としての直線駆動軸（以下、単に駆動軸ともいう）４を前後に各々突出する形で有する。モータ２の駆動軸４は、開口調節部材１０，１０の閉位置に対応する第一変位状態（図２（ａ）の状態）及び開位置に対応する第二変位状態（図２（ｂ）の状態）の前後方向二位置（二状態）に駆動変位する。具体的には、例えば特開２０００―３４１９０５号公報に示されるように、モータ２は駆動軸４を駆動するのに要する電力（駆動電力）の供給に基づいて回転駆動する図示しない回転駆動部（ロータ）を有し、駆動軸４には、ロータの回転力を受けて自身が軸中心に回転しながらモータ２を貫通する形で往復動するためのねじ部（図示せず）が形成されている。このモータ２の駆動電力の供給は、上記第一及び第二の変位状態の位置保持中において停止され、コイルの発熱軽減が図られている。リニアステッピングモータ２は、入力される駆動パルスの入力数に応じてロータの回転変位が決定され、ロータの回転変位量と駆動軸４の直線変位量が対応するようになっているため、駆動パルスの入力数に応じて駆動軸４の直線変位量、ひいては開口調節部材１０，１０の開閉位置が決定される。なお、リニアステッピングモータ２としてはＶＲ型、ＰＭ型等、公知のものを種々利用できる。
【００１９】
伝達機構２０は、駆動軸４の駆動変位を開口調節部材１０，１０の変位に変換しつつその開口調節部材１０，１０に伝達するために、複数（例えば２個）の中間伝達部材を備えている。この中間伝達部材は、直線伝達部としてのスライド部材２１と回転伝達部としての回動部材２６とから構成されている。このうち、スライド部材２１は、上記した駆動軸４の直線的な駆動変位をその変位方向（前後方向）に沿って伝達する。一方、回動部材２６は、スライド部材２１における直線的変位を、盤面１０１（図１０参照）と交差する回転軸線回りに回転可能に設けられる開口調節部材１０，１０の回転変位に変換する。この実施例では、図２（ａ）に示すように、駆動軸４の軸線（変位方向）Ｏ1と開口調節部材１０の回転軸線Ｏ2とはほぼ平行状に配置され、両軸線Ｏ1，Ｏ2はそれぞれ盤面１０１とほぼ直交している。
【００２０】
図８及び図９を参照しつつ引き続き図１により、スライド部材２１と回動部材２６の具体的構造について説明する。スライド部材２１は、裏側本体部１１に固定された支持部１２にて支持されるとともに、その内部には、裏側本体部１１に１又は複数（例えば２本）のねじ等の固定部材１１０により位置固定されたモータ２を収納している。このスライド部材２１は、支持部１２と接触する底部２２と、その底部２２の前後端部よりそれぞれ上方に突出して、モータ２の前後両側に突出する駆動軸４と当接する当接部２３ａ，２３ｂ（直線変位部）とによって全体が合成樹脂製の枠状（例えば箱状）に形成されている。
【００２１】
スライド部材２１の底部２２前端には、前方側の当接部２３ａよりも広い左右幅を有する壁部２３ｃが、その当接部２３ａとの間に所定の隙間を隔てて上方に突出形成されている。これによって、スライド部材２１は、モータ２における駆動軸４の直線的な駆動変位により、支持部１２上において摺動し、裏側本体部１１に対して相対移動する（図３（ｂ）参照）。そして、前方側の当接部２３ａの左右には、壁部２３ｃとの間の隙間を含む空間部２３ｄ，２３ｄが形成される（図８参照）。
【００２２】
一方、回動部材２６は、駆動軸４を両側から挟む形で配置され、駆動軸線Ｏ1と平行に設けられた一対の回動本体部２７，２７を有する。各回動本体部２７の外側面には、盤面１０１（図１０参照）方向（すなわち駆動軸線Ｏ1と直交する方向；図２（ａ）参照）の回動軸線Ｏ3を有する回動軸２７ａが突出している。一方、各回動本体部２７の内側面には、回動軸線Ｏ3と平行な軸線を有する突出部２７ｂ（図９参照）が突出している。回動軸２７ａは表側本体部１３の軸孔１３ａ（図４（ａ）参照）に回動可能に挿通軸支され、突出部２７ｂはスライド部材２１の空間部２３ｄ（図８参照）に配置される。このように、スライド部材２１の当接部２３ａ，２３ｂは、モータ２の駆動軸４に係合してその駆動軸４とほぼ平行状に変位するとともに、スライド部材２１と回動部材２６とを連結している。
【００２３】
また、回動本体部２７は、回動軸２７ａを備えた合成樹脂製の外側本体部２７Ａ（図９参照）と、突出部２７ｂを備えた合成樹脂製の内側本体部２７Ｂ（図９参照）とが、接着剤による貼り合せ等の手段により積層強化されている。さらに、一対の回動本体部２７，２７（具体的には一対の内側本体部２７Ｂ，２７Ｂ）は、その上端縁を連結する第一連結部２８と、その内側面上部間を連結する第二連結部２９とによって補強されている。なお、２８ａは、後述する検出手段５０によって回動部材２６の回転変位（ひいては開口調節部材１０，１０の回転変位）を検出するために、第一連結部２８の左右方向の中央部から上方へ突出形成された検知レバーである。
【００２４】
このように、一般的に、中間伝達部材は、駆動出力部の直線的な駆動変位をその変位方向に沿って伝達する直線伝達部と、その直線伝達部における直線的変位を、回転軸線回りに回転可能に設けられる遊技球誘導部材の回転変位に変換する回転伝達部とを有するように構成される。
そして、本実施例に係る直線伝達部は、電動リニアモータの駆動出力部に係合してその駆動出力部とほぼ平行状に変位する直線変位部を含み、この直線変位部を介して回転伝達部と連結されている。
ただし、本発明に係る直線伝達部は、電動リニアモータの駆動出力部に固定される駆動側係合部を含み、この駆動側係合部は遊技球誘導部材に連動する従動側係合部と係合して回転伝達部と連結されるように構成されていてもよい。なお、この場合直線伝達部は駆動出力部と一体化されていてもよい。
【００２５】
図１に示されるように、開口調節部材１０，１０は、遊技機１００の盤面１０１（図１０参照）と直交する方向の回転軸線Ｏ2周りに回動するようになっている。具体的には、開口調節部材１０，１０は、球受部６から突出し回転軸線Ｏ2を有する回転軸６ａ，６ａに、軸孔１０ｂ，１０ｂにて貫通され、その回転軸６ａ，６ａ周りに回動する。また、開口調節部材１０，１０には、回転軸線Ｏ2と平行に突出する開口調節部材側係合部１０ａ，１０ａ（第一係合部）が設けられ、この第一係合部１０ａ，１０ａが、台板１４に設けられた挿通孔１４ａを貫通している。そして、第一係合部１０ａ，１０ａが回動部材２６の回動本体部２７に形成された回動部材側係合部２７ｃ，２７ｃ（第二係合部）と係合し、回動軸線Ｏ3周りでの回動部材２６の回動に伴って、第一係合部１０ａ，１０ａが上下動する。この第一係合部１０ａ，１０ａの上下動は、回転軸６ａ，６ａを中心とする開口調節部材１０，１０の開閉動に変換される。
【００２６】
このような伝達機構２０には、開口調節部材１０，１０を球噛み（球詰まり）や不正行為に対して安全側である閉位置に保持するために、その開口調節部材１０，１０を常に閉位置方向に付勢する付勢手段４０が設けられている。具体的には、図４（ａ）に示すように、付勢手段４０は、開口調節部材１０，１０が閉位置方向へ回転するように、回動部材２６の回動軸２７ａ（回転軸）を回転付勢する弾発部材（例えばねじりコイルばね）として構成されている。このねじりコイルばね４０は、台板１４よりも後方に位置する表側本体部１３と回動部材２６の外側本体部２７Ａ（図９参照）との間に掛け渡されている。
【００２７】
したがって、図４（ｂ）に示すようにモータ２の駆動軸４が前方側に突出（駆動変位）すると、それにつれてスライド部材２１が前方側に直線移動する。さらに、スライド部材２１の前方移動に追随するようにして、回動部材２６の突出部２７ｂが弾発部材４０により付勢された回動軸２７ａ周りに回転移動する。そして、回動部材２６の第二係合部２７ｃ，２７ｃと係合する開口調節部材１０，１０の第一係合部１０ａ，１０ａが下向き移動し、図３（ａ）に示すように開口調節部材１０，１０は閉位置に保持される。
【００２８】
一方、図５（ｂ）に示すようにモータ２の駆動軸４が後方側に突出（駆動変位）すると、それにつれてスライド部材２１が後方側に直線移動する。このとき、スライド部材２１の壁部２３ｃは、弾発部材４０の付勢力に抗して回動部材２６の突出部２７ｂを受け止め保持しながら後方移動するのに伴い、回動部材２６は回動軸２７ａ周りに回転移動する。そして、回動部材２６の第二係合部２７ｃ，２７ｃと係合する開口調節部材１０，１０の第一係合部１０ａ，１０ａが上向き移動し、図５（ａ）に示すように開口調節部材１０，１０は開位置に保持される。
【００２９】
図７に示すように、伝達機構２０において、スライド部材２１と回動部材２６との間には、閉位置に位置する開口調節部材１０，１０に対して開位置方向への外力が作用した場合に、開口調節部材１０，１０の開位置方向への移動を許容する移動許容機構３０が設けられている。具体的には、移動許容機構３０は、スライド部材２１の前方側の当接部２３ａと、その当接部２３ａの左右に形成される空間部２３ｄ，２３ｄ（図８参照）と、その空間部２３ｄ，２３ｄに配置される回動部材２６の突出部２７ｂ，２７ｂとを含んで構成される。ここで、図３（ａ）に示すように開口調節部材１０，１０が閉位置にあるとき、図６（ａ）に示す複数の遊技球Ｂが入球することによって球噛みが発生した場合を考える。このとき、開口調節部材１０，１０に開位置方向への外力が作用すると、上記空間部２３ｄ，２３ｄの存在により、図６（ｂ）に示すように開口調節部材１０，１０は開位置方向に変位が可能となる。この場合にも、弾発部材４０の付勢力は開口調節部材１０，１０を閉位置方向に変位させるように作用している。なお、移動許容機構３０は、開口調節部材１０，１０が閉位置方向に移動中の場合にも、上記と同様に開口調節部材１０，１０の開位置方向への移動を許容する。
【００３０】
さらに、伝達機構２０には、図４（ｂ）に示す検出手段５０が設けられ、モータ２の駆動軸４の駆動変位に基づく開口調節部材１０，１０の回転変位を回動部材２６により間接的に検出している。そして、このときの検出基準位置は、駆動軸４の駆動変位により決定される開口調節部材１０，１０の閉位置に設定されている。そのために、この検出手段５０は、開口調節部材１０，１０の閉位置に対応する変位位置にて回動部材２６を検出可能に調整された非接触式センサで構成されている。一般的には、検出手段は、遊技球誘導部材の第一位置に対応する変位位置にて回転伝達部を検出可能な非接触式センサで構成される。具体的には、透過型フォトセンサ（光電式センサ）５０を用いて、回動部材２６の第一連結部２８に固定された検知レバー２８ａの位置（存否）を検出している。なお、５１はフォトセンサ５０の電源ケーブル用コネクタ、５２はフォトセンサ５０とコネクタ５１を保持し、台板１４に固定される基板を示す。
【００３１】
そして、フォトセンサ５０には、開口調節部材１０，１０が所定時間にわたり連続的又は断続的に閉位置（検出基準位置）に不存在である状態を検出した場合に、警報を発して報知する報知手段６０が付設されている。報知手段６０は、スピーカ等の聴覚による警報（図１０参照）、液晶表示等の視覚による警報、バイブレータ等の触覚による警報等のいずれであってもよい。
【００３２】
開口調節部材１０，１０が閉位置変位の条件のもとで、フォトセンサ５０による開口調節部材１０，１０の閉位置不存在状態の検出に基づく報知手段６０の作動（警報）は、例えば次のような場合を対象とする。
（１）所定時間（例えば１０秒間）にわたり連続的に閉位置不存在状態を検出したとき；
（２）所定時間（例えば１分間）内で断続的に閉位置不存在状態を検出した場合、閉位置不存在状態検出積算時間が所定時間（例えば３０秒間）を超えたとき；（３）所定時間（例えば１分間）内で断続的に閉位置不存在状態を検出した場合、閉位置不存在状態検出回数が所定回数（例えば５回）を超えたとき；
このように、検出手段が所定時間にわたり連続的又は断続的に開口調節部材１０，１０の閉位置不存在状態を検出したときに警報を発するようにすれば、球噛み状態がすぐに解消された場合や、不正行為がすぐに中止され実質的な損害が発生しない場合には警報を発することがなく、遊技を中断して興趣を損なわずにすむ。
【００３３】
図１に戻り、以上のように構成された電動チューリップ１において、表側本体部１３と裏側本体部１１とは１又は複数（例えば４本）のねじ等の固定部材１２０により位置固定される。その後、表側本体部１３の台板１４に形成された１又は複数（例えば２個）の取付孔１４０とねじ等の固定部材（図示せず）を介して盤面１０１（図１０参照）に保持固定される。なお、１５は、入賞口７への入球を検出するための入賞球検知センサであり、入賞口７の直下に近接スイッチ等で構成される入球感知部１５ａを備えている（図３（ｂ）参照）。
【００３４】
次に、以上で述べた電動チューリップ１の作動について説明する。
（１）開口調節部材１０，１０が閉位置状態（図３（ａ）参照）で、▲１▼遊技球の作動ゲート（チャッカ）１０３の通過▲２▼電動チューリップ１の入賞口７自身への入球等の開口調節部材１０，１０開放条件のいずれかが成立した場合（図１０参照）に、モータ２へ所定数の駆動パルスが入力される。そして、図５（ｂ）に示すようにモータ２の駆動軸４が後方側に突出（駆動変位）すると、それにつれてスライド部材２１が後方側に直線移動し、回動部材２６の回動軸２７ａ周りに突出部２７ｂが回転移動する。その結果、回動部材２６の第二係合部２７ｃ，２７ｃと係合する開口調節部材１０，１０の第一係合部１０ａ，１０ａが上向き移動し、開口調節部材１０，１０は開位置に保持される（図５（ａ）参照）。
【００３５】
（２）開口調節部材１０，１０が開位置状態（図５（ａ）参照）で、▲１▼所定時間（例えば１５秒間）の経過▲２▼電動チューリップ１の入賞口７自身への入球等の開口調節部材１０，１０閉鎖条件のいずれかが成立した場合に、モータ２へ所定数の逆駆動パルスが入力される。そして、図４（ｂ）に示すようにモータ２の駆動軸４が前方側に突出（駆動変位）すると、それにつれてスライド部材２１が前方側に直線移動し、回動部材２６は回動軸２７ａ周りに回転移動する。その結果、回動部材２６の第二係合部２７ｃ，２７ｃと係合する開口調節部材１０，１０の第一係合部１０ａ，１０ａが下向き移動し、開口調節部材１０，１０は閉位置に保持される（図３（ａ）参照）。
【００３６】
（３）開口調節部材１０，１０が閉位置状態（図３（ａ）参照）で、球噛み（球詰まり）の発生により又は不正行為により、開口調節部材１０，１０に対して開位置方向への外力が作用した場合に、図６（ｂ）に示すような移動許容機構３０によって、開口調節部材１０，１０は開位置方向に変位が可能となる。このとき、弾発部材４０の付勢力は開口調節部材１０，１０を閉位置方向に変位させるように作用しているので、開口調節部材１０，１０は揺り動かされるように振動され、軽微な球噛み状態や瞬間的な不正行為であれば自然解消して正常な状態（すなわち開口調節部材１０，１０が閉位置の状態）に復帰できる場合がある。
【００３７】
（４）開口調節部材１０，１０が閉位置方向に移動中（図４（ｂ）参照）に、球噛み（球詰まり）の発生により又は不正行為により、開口調節部材１０，１０に対して開位置方向への外力が作用した場合も、上記（３）と同様である。すなわち、移動許容機構３０により開口調節部材１０，１０の開位置方向への移動が許容され、弾発部材４０による閉位置方向への付勢力も作用している（図６（ｂ）参照）。
【００３８】
図１０は、以上で述べた遊技機用電動チューリップ１を盤面１０１上に備えた遊技機１００の一例を示している。なお、本実施例においては、いわゆるチューリップとも称される可変入賞装置を具体的な対象として説明したが、これに限定されない。例えば、いわゆる羽根物とも称される第二種遊技機における入賞装置、アタッカ等にも適用できる。これら以外にも、入賞口を備える入賞装置であって、電気的駆動力に基づいて遊技球を誘導する遊技球誘導部材が駆動され、その遊技球誘導部材によって入賞口への遊技球の進入のし易さが調整されるようなものであればいずれも本発明の入賞装置に包含される。特に従来において、ソレノイドによって開閉駆動させていた入賞装置のいずれに対しても本発明を適用できる。また、既述の通り本発明は遊技機用役物にも用いることができる。
【００３９】
さらに本発明では、上記作動説明の（３）及び（４）において、球噛みが発生した状態と不正行為がなされた状態との識別を可能とするために、既に述べた検出手段５０を用い、以下に述べるような開口調節部材１０，１０の開閉制御を行う。開口調節部材１０，１０の開閉制御について、図１１に示すフローチャートにより説明する。
【００４０】
図１１において、まずモータ２の駆動パルス数Ｎと設定時間Ｔ1,Ｔ2を読込む（又は設定入力する；Ｓ１）。ここで、駆動パルス数Ｎは開口調節部材１０，１０を閉位置から開位置（又は開位置から閉位置）まで変位させるのに必要なリニアステッピングモータ２のパルス数、設定時間Ｔ1,Ｔ2は球噛み又はモータ不良と判断するためのフォトセンサ検出継続時間を意味する。続いて、開口調節部材１０，１０の閉信号が出力されているかをチェックし（Ｓ２）、出力がある場合はモータ２に閉パルス信号を出力して開口調節部材１０，１０を閉位置に変位させる（Ｓ３〜Ｓ４）。次いで、フォトセンサ５０が検知レバー２８ａを検出しているか（図４（ｂ）参照）をチェックし（Ｓ５）、検出されなければ設定時間Ｔ1が経過するまで継続チェックを行う（Ｓ６）。そして、設定時間Ｔ1が経過してもフォトセンサ５０が検知レバー２８ａを検出しなければ球噛み又はモータ不良が発生したと判断して警報を出力する（Ｓ７）。Ｓ２において閉信号出力がない場合、及びＳ５においてフォトセンサ５０が検出済みの場合には、Ｓ８に移行する。
【００４１】
一方、Ｓ８に進んだときには、開口調節部材１０，１０の開信号が出力されているかをチェックし、出力がある場合はモータ２に開パルス信号を出力して開口調節部材１０，１０を開位置に変位させる（Ｓ９〜Ｓ１０）。次いで、フォトセンサ５０が検知レバー２８ａを検出しない状態（非検出）になっているか（図５（ｂ）参照）をチェックし（Ｓ１１）、検出されていれば設定時間Ｔ2が経過するまで継続チェックを行う（Ｓ１２）。そして、設定時間Ｔ2が経過してもフォトセンサ５０が検知レバー２８ａを検出しているときはモータ不良が発生したと判断して警報を出力する（Ｓ１３）。Ｓ８において開信号出力がない場合にはＳ１４に移行し、Ｓ１１においてフォトセンサ５０が検知レバー２８ａを非検出であれば終了する。
【００４２】
さらに、Ｓ１４に進んだときには、フォトセンサ５０の検出信号をチェックし、フォトセンサ５０が検知レバー２８ａを検出していないとき（図６（ｂ）参照）は、開口調節部材１０，１０を意図的に開位置に変位させようとする不正が行われていると判断して警報を出力する（Ｓ１５）。なお、Ｓ１４でフォトセンサ５０の検出が正常であれば終了する。
【００４３】
このように、検出手段５０を用いて開口調節部材１０，１０の開閉制御を行うことにより、球噛みが発生した状態と不正行為がなされた状態との識別を可能としている。その際、開口調節部材１０，１０の閉位置を検出手段５０の検出基準位置とすることで、検出基準位置をゲームの基準状態（ゲーム開始時の盤面状態）と一致させてあるので、開口調節部材１０，１０の開閉制御が行いやすい。また、検出手段５０が変位伝達系としての回動部材２６（中間伝達部材）の回転変位を検出対象としているので、作動による変位を直接的に検出することができ正確を期すことができる。さらに、検出手段５０としてフォトセンサ等の非接触式センサを用いているので、モータ２から開口調節部材１０，１０に至る変位伝達系の作動を阻害しない。
【００４４】
次に、図１２にスライド部材の変形例を示す。図１２に示すスライド部材１２１では、図８の前方側の当接部２３ａと壁部２３ｃとが一体化されて前端当接部２３ｅが形成され、更なる構造の簡素化を図っている。ただし、駆動軸４の前端部左右には、図８に示す空間部２３ｄ，２３ｄと同様の作用をなす空間部２３ｆ，２３ｆが形成されている。したがって、図１２の変形例においても、この空間部２３ｆ，２３ｆを利用して移動許容機構３００を配設することができる。
【００４５】
図１３にフォトセンサの取付位置の変更例を示す。図１３に示すフォトセンサ５００は、表側本体部１３に固定した基板５０２に取り付けられ、回動部材２６の外側本体部２７Ａ（回動本体部２７）の存否を検出するために反射型で構成されている。なお、フォトセンサ５００の配置変更により、一対の回動本体部２７，２７の上端縁を連結する第一連結部２８と検知レバー２８ａが省略されている。また、５０１はフォトセンサ５００の電源ケーブル用コネクタである。
【００４６】
以上、本発明の実施の形態を説明したが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではなく、各請求項に記載した範囲を逸脱しない限り、各請求項の記載文言に限定されず、当業者がそれらから容易に置き換えられる範囲にもおよび、かつ、当業者が通常有する知識に基づく改良を適宜付加することができる。
【００４７】
例えば、以上の実施例では検出手段５０として、回動部材２６（中間伝達部材）の位置測定（有無判別）を行う非接触式位置センサであるフォトセンサを用いたが、検出手段はこれに限定されない。つまり、検出手段は、中間伝達部材の位置測定（有無判別）を行う位置センサ又は中間伝達部材までの距離測定を行う距離センサを用いて、直線伝達部の直線変位又は回転伝達部の回転変位（いずれも変位の方向を含む）を検出できればよい。非接触式位置センサとして、フォトセンサ（光電式センサ）の他に、静電容量式センサ、磁気式センサ、高周波発振式センサ等を用いることができる。また、非接触式距離センサとして、赤外線センサ、超音波センサ、マグネスケール、レーザセンサ等を用いることができる。
【００４８】
また、実施例では付勢手段４０として弾発部材を用いたが、付勢手段はこれに限定されない。例えば、回動部材２６に錘を取り付け、その重力に基づく回動軸線Ｏ3周りの回転モーメントにより、開口調節部材１０，１０を閉位置方向へ付勢する付勢力を作用させることができる。あるいは、回動部材２６と表側本体部１３との間に互いに逆極性の永久磁石を取り付け、その反発力に基づく回動軸線Ｏ3周りの回転モーメントにより、開口調節部材１０，１０を閉位置方向へ付勢する付勢力を作用させてもよい。ところで、実施例では付勢手段４０を表側本体部１３と回動部材２６との間に介装したが、開口調節部材１０と表側本体部１３の台板１４との間等に設けることもできる。
【００４９】
さらに、実施例では移動許容機構３０を直線伝達部２１と回転伝達部２６との間に介装したが、開口調節部材１０と回転伝達部２６との間、直線伝達部２１と直線駆動軸４との間等に設けることもできる。
【００５０】
ところで、開口調節部材（遊技球誘導部材）１０の変位位置について、第一位置（閉位置）及び第二位置（開位置）の二位置のみを有する場合について説明を行ったが、本発明は第三位置以降の変位位置を含む場合を排除するものではない。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の遊技機用入賞装置の一例として、遊技機用電動チューリップを示す分解斜視図。
【図２】図１の遊技機用入賞装置の一部を省略した組立斜視図で、（ａ）は開口調節部材が閉位置にある状態、（ｂ）は同じく開位置にある状態を示す。
【図３】図２（ａ）の正面図及び側面断面図。
【図４】図２（ａ）の要部拡大平面図及び要部拡大側面断面図。
【図５】図２（ｂ）の正面図及び要部拡大側面断面図。
【図６】開口調節部材に球噛みが発生した状態の正面図及び要部拡大側面断面図。
【図７】図６の球噛み発生状態を図２とは異なる方向から見た一部省略斜視図及びその平面図。
【図８】スライド部材の斜視図、平面図及び側面図。
【図９】回動部材の斜視図、平面図及び側面図。
【図１０】本発明の遊技機用入賞装置を用いた遊技機の一例を示す正面図。
【図１１】本発明の遊技機用入賞装置における開口調節部材の開閉制御を示すフローチャート。
【図１２】図８のスライド部材の変形例を示す斜視図、平面図及び側面図。
【図１３】フォトセンサの取付位置の変更例を示す平面図及び側面図。
【符号の説明】
１遊技機用電動チューリップ（遊技機用入賞装置；遊技機用役物）
２リニアステッピングモータ（電動リニアモータ；駆動アクチュエータ）
４直線駆動軸（駆動出力部）
７入賞口
１０開口調節部材（遊技球誘導部材）
２０伝達機構
２１スライド部材（中間伝達部材；直線伝達部）
２３ａ，２３ｂ当接部（直線変位部）
２６回動部材（中間伝達部材；回転伝達部）
３０移動許容機構
４０ねじりコイルばね（弾発部材；付勢手段）
５０フォトセンサ（非接触式センサ；検出手段）
６０スピーカ（報知手段）
１００遊技機[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine accessory, a gaming machine winning device, and a gaming machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a winning device for a gaming machine in which an opening and closing member (also referred to as a rotary wing piece or a blade) is opened and closed based on the establishment of a predetermined game condition, such as a so-called tulip or a blade, the driving force of the opening and closing member A method using a solenoid is used. Also, in a gaming machine accessory that operates a special device in a specific gaming state, a solenoid is widely used as a driving force of the operating member. Specifically, the drive shaft that interlocks with the opening / closing member and the actuating member (game ball guiding member) is adapted to be pulled into the coil by energization, and the opening / closing member can be opened in conjunction with the drive shaft, A technique of actuating the actuating member is employed.
[0003]
In the conventional solenoid method, the energized state must be maintained in order to keep the drive shaft in the coil, and accordingly, the coil may generate heat. In view of this, the present inventors have proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-402084 to reduce such heat generation by using an electric motor and stopping the supply of driving power during position holding.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when an electric motor is employed, a force that forcibly closes the game ball guiding member when a plurality of game balls enter when the game ball guiding member is closed and a so-called ball clogging (ball clogging) occurs. May damage the motor, or the motor may be overloaded and broken.
[0005]
Problems to be solved by the present invention include a gaming machine accessory and a gaming machine winning device capable of preventing damage to the gaming ball guiding member and the electric motor even in a state in which the game ball guiding member is bitten. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine using a gaming machine accessory or a gaming machine winning device.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine accessory of the present invention is:
On the board surface of the gaming machine, in order to adjust the moving direction of the flowing game ball, it is displaceable between a first position that is relatively disadvantageous for the player and a second position that is relatively advantageous, and at least the first position. A game ball guiding member which is provided so as to be capable of holding a position and sets at least one of the ease of winning of the game ball and the movement path by its own displacement;
A drive actuator having a drive output unit and drivingly displacing the drive output unit to two positions corresponding to the first position and the second position;
Of the drive output section Linear Drive displacement, A linear transmission portion that transmits along the displacement direction; and a rotation transmission portion that converts linear displacement in the linear transmission portion into rotational displacement of the game ball guiding member that is provided to be rotatable about a rotation axis. A gaming machine accessory having a transmission mechanism for transmitting to the gaming ball guiding member while converting to the displacement of the gaming ball guiding member via an intermediate transmitting member,
The drive actuator is composed of an electric linear motor in which the drive output unit is linearly displaced,
The transmission mechanism is
Interposed between the linear transmission portion and the rotation transmission portion of the intermediate transmission member, The second position direction of the game ball guiding member when an external force in the second position direction is applied to the game ball guiding member located in the first position or moving in the first position direction. A movement allowance mechanism that allows movement to
Biasing means for urging the game ball guiding member in the movement-permitted state in the first position direction And with ,
When an external force in the direction of the second position acts on the game ball guiding member in association with the ball biting that occurs when a plurality of game balls enter the game ball guiding member, The game ball guiding member vibrates so as to be swung by the movement in the second position direction and the biasing of the game ball guiding member in the first position direction by the biasing means. It is characterized by that.
[0007]
According to such a configuration, by using an electric linear motor as the drive actuator, a linear drive displacement of the drive output unit in a narrow space equivalent to that of the solenoid is ensured, and the first position (generally closed) The position of the game ball guiding member can be maintained without maintaining an energized state (hereinafter referred to as a closed position). Moreover, even when the game ball guiding member is in the closed position or in the closed state, the second position of the game ball guiding member by the movement allowance mechanism (generally indicates the open position; The movement in the direction (also referred to as position) can prevent damage to the game ball guiding member and the electric motor. Furthermore, the game ball guiding member is vibrated so as to be swung by the movement in the open position direction by the movement allowance mechanism and the biasing means in the closing position direction, and if the ball is in a slightly ball-engaged state, it is naturally eliminated. Can return to normal, so you can interrupt the game without losing interest.
[0008]
Here, as the “electric linear motor”, a linear stepping motor (linear pulse motor), a linear DC motor, a linear synchronous motor, a linear induction motor, or the like can be used. Of these, when a linear stepping motor is used, the transmission mechanism is configured so that the amount of displacement between the opening and closing positions of the game ball guiding member is determined according to the number of drive pulses input to the linear stepping motor. The displacement position (that is, the open position or the closed position) of the game ball guiding member corresponding to the drive displacement of the drive output unit when the input of the game output is stopped may be held.
[0009]
Such an intermediate transmission member is provided so as to transmit a linear drive displacement of the drive output unit along the displacement direction, and to rotate the linear displacement in the linear transmission unit around the rotation axis. And a rotation transmitting portion that converts the rotational displacement of the game ball guiding member. The driving force generated at the drive output section of the linear motor that is linearly displaced is transmitted to the game ball guiding member that is rotationally displaced via the linear transmission section and the rotation transmission section, so energy loss during the process is reduced. Less power is transmitted efficiently.
[0010]
Also, Such a transmission mechanism for a gaming machine accessory includes detection means for detecting the displacement of the game ball guiding member based on the drive displacement of the drive output unit directly or indirectly by the intermediate transmission member, and the ball engagement by the detection means. Can detect a continuous state .
[0011]
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent damage to the game ball guiding member and the electric motor even when the game ball guiding member is bitten as described above, and to guide the game ball based on the drive displacement of the drive output unit. By providing the detection means for detecting the displacement of the member, it is possible to accurately detect the state in which such a spherical engagement has occurred (or the state in which the spherical engagement has continued). Therefore, it is possible to notify the game store clerk and player of the ball biting state, which is an abnormal situation on the board surface of the gaming machine. In addition, the provision of the movement allowance mechanism and the biasing means in the transmission mechanism enables an illegal act of intentionally displacing the game ball guiding member to the open position. However, by providing the detection means, It is also possible to accurately detect that such a fraudulent act has been performed (or that it has been continued). Accordingly, it is possible to notify a game store clerk or player of an illegal act on the board of the gaming machine.
[0012]
Specifically, for example, in a gaming machine winning device,
On the board surface of the gaming machine, a first position that is openably and closably attached to a winning opening that receives a game ball, closes the winning opening, or narrows the opening of the winning opening, and the opening of the winning opening from the first position. A game ball guiding member that is displaceable to a second position that widens the position and is capable of holding the position at least at the first position, and sets the ease of winning of the game ball by its own displacement;
A drive actuator having a drive output unit and drivingly displacing the drive output unit to two positions corresponding to the first position and the second position;
Of the drive output section Linear Drive displacement, A linear transmission portion that transmits along the displacement direction; and a rotation transmission portion that converts linear displacement in the linear transmission portion into rotational displacement of the game ball guiding member that is provided to be rotatable about a rotation axis. A winning device for a gaming machine having a transmission mechanism for transmitting to the gaming ball guiding member while converting to the displacement of the gaming ball guiding member via an intermediate transmitting member,
The drive actuator is composed of an electric linear motor in which the drive output unit is linearly displaced,
The transmission mechanism is
Interposed between the linear transmission portion and the rotation transmission portion of the intermediate transmission member, The second position direction of the game ball guiding member when an external force in the second position direction is applied to the game ball guiding member located in the first position or moving in the first position direction. A movement allowance mechanism that allows movement to
Biasing means for biasing the game ball guiding member in the movement-permitted state in the first position direction;
Detection in which the first position of the game ball guiding member determined by the driving displacement of the driving output unit is set as a detection reference position, and the intermediate transmission member is detected at a displacement position corresponding to the first position. means And with ,
When an external force in the direction of the second position acts on the game ball guiding member in association with the ball biting that occurs when a plurality of game balls enter the game ball guiding member, The game ball guiding member vibrates so as to be swung by the movement in the second position direction and the biasing of the game ball guiding member in the first position direction by the biasing means, and the ball biting by the detecting means Detects continued state It is characterized by that.
[0013]
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent damage to the game ball guiding member and the electric motor even in a state where the ball engagement is generated in the game ball guiding member attached to the winning opening of the gaming machine winning device. In addition, the state in which such ball biting has occurred (or the state in which ball biting has continued) and the illegal act of intentionally displacing the game ball guiding member to the open position has been performed (or continued Can be accurately detected. The detection reference position of the detection means is set to the first position (that is, the closed position) of the game ball guiding member, and for the player who is one party, early detection of the ball biting state or the like is possible. Therefore, an advantageous game situation such as a jackpot can be missed, and for the game shop which is the other party, damages can be suppressed because early detection and prompt action of fraudulent acts and the like can be performed. Further, since the detecting means detects the displacement position of the intermediate transmission member corresponding to the detection reference position, even if the game ball guiding member is damaged due to a ball biting state or an improper act, these abnormal situations are accurately detected. Can be detected.
[0014]
Further, by providing the gaming machine accessory or the gaming machine winning device as described above on the board surface, it is possible to make the gaming ball guiding member more interesting movement without being caught by the occurrence of the ball biting. Therefore, a gaming machine with higher game performance can be realized.
[0015]
In the present specification, the “game machine winning device” refers to a gaming machine accessory (for example, an electric tulip for a gaming machine, a distribution winning device for a gaming machine, A prize opening member for gaming machines (also referred to as a chucker), a large prize opening member for gaming machines (also referred to as an attacker), and the like. In addition, the “game machine accessory” is a game device that is directly involved in the game state and has a special mechanism (for example, a game ball game device for a game machine (also referred to as a slope, a cleon, etc.), a game machine warp. Samurai, windmills for gaming machines, side lamps for gaming machines, etc.). Furthermore, the “game device” refers to various devices related to the gaming state of the gaming machine, and includes a prize ball payout device, a launch device, various detection sensors for game balls and prize balls, and the like.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples shown in the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an electric tulip for a gaming machine as an example of a prize device for a gaming machine in the gaming machine accessory of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view with a part omitted. As shown in FIG. 1, the basic configuration of an electric tulip for gaming machines (hereinafter also simply referred to as an electric tulip) 1 includes a pair of wing-shaped opening adjustment members 10 and 10 as game ball guiding members, and an opening adjustment. A linear stepping motor (hereinafter also simply referred to as a motor) 2 as an electric linear motor as a drive actuator for the members 10 and 10 and a transmission mechanism 20 including one or a plurality of intermediate transmission members to be described later are provided.
[0017]
The opening adjustment members 10 and 10 are relatively distant from the first position, which is relatively disadvantageous for the player, in order to adjust the moving direction of the flowing game ball on the board surface 101 of the gaming machine 100 (see FIG. 10). It is provided so that it can be displaced to an advantageous second position and can be held at these two positions, and the ease of winning the game ball is set by the displacement. Specifically, the opening adjusting members 10, 10 are attached to the winning opening 7 (see FIG. 2) for receiving the game ball so as to be opened and closed, and close the winning opening 7 or narrow the opening of the winning opening 7. (Closed position; see FIG. 2 (a)) and a second position (open position; see FIG. 2 (b)) that makes the opening of the winning opening 7 wider than the closed position. In the present embodiment, the opening of the winning opening 7 is formed between the opposing surfaces of the pair of opening adjusting members 10 and 10 and has a gap of about one game ball in the closed position. In the following description, the direction from the board surface 101 (see FIG. 10) toward the player is referred to as the front (or front side), and the opposite direction is referred to as the rear (or back side). The direction in which the game balls flow down is referred to as the downward direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the upward direction.
[0018]
The linear stepping motor 2 has a linear drive shaft (hereinafter also simply referred to as a drive shaft) 4 as a drive output section that linearly displaces in the axial direction so as to protrude forward and backward. The drive shaft 4 of the motor 2 has a first displacement state (state shown in FIG. 2A) corresponding to the closed position of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 and a second displacement state corresponding to the open position (FIG. 2B). Drive) in two positions in the front-rear direction (two states). Specifically, as shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-341905, the motor 2 is driven to rotate based on the supply of power (drive power) required to drive the drive shaft 4 (not shown) The drive shaft 4 is formed with a screw portion (not shown) for reciprocating in the form of penetrating the motor 2 while rotating about the shaft upon receiving the rotational force of the rotor. Yes. The supply of the driving power of the motor 2 is stopped while the positions of the first and second displacement states are maintained, and the heat generation of the coil is reduced. In the linear stepping motor 2, the rotational displacement of the rotor is determined according to the number of input drive pulses, and the rotational displacement amount of the rotor and the linear displacement amount of the drive shaft 4 correspond to each other. The amount of linear displacement of the drive shaft 4 and thus the opening / closing positions of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 are determined according to the number of inputs. As the linear stepping motor 2, various known types such as VR type and PM type can be used.
[0019]
The transmission mechanism 20 includes a plurality of (for example, two) intermediate transmission members in order to transmit the drive displacement of the drive shaft 4 to the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 while converting the displacement to the opening adjustment members 10 and 10. Yes. This intermediate transmission member is composed of a slide member 21 as a linear transmission part and a rotation member 26 as a rotation transmission part. Among these, the slide member 21 transmits the linear drive displacement of the drive shaft 4 along the displacement direction (front-rear direction). On the other hand, the rotating member 26 converts the linear displacement in the slide member 21 into the rotational displacement of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 provided to be rotatable around the rotation axis intersecting the board surface 101 (see FIG. 10). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the axis (displacement direction) O1 of the drive shaft 4 and the rotation axis O2 of the opening adjusting member 10 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. It is almost orthogonal to the board surface 101.
[0020]
With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the specific structure of the slide member 21 and the rotating member 26 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The slide member 21 is supported by a support portion 12 fixed to the back-side main body portion 11, and is positioned inside the back-side main body portion 11 by a fixing member 110 such as one or a plurality of (for example, two) screws. The fixed motor 2 is accommodated. The slide member 21 has a bottom portion 22 that comes into contact with the support portion 12 and contact portions 23 a and 23 b that protrude upward from the front and rear end portions of the bottom portion 22 and contact the drive shaft 4 that protrudes on both front and rear sides of the motor 2. The whole is formed in a synthetic resin frame shape (for example, a box shape).
[0021]
At the front end of the bottom portion 22 of the slide member 21, a wall portion 23c having a wider left and right width than the front contact portion 23a is formed to project upward with a predetermined gap between the wall portion 23c and the contact portion 23a. Yes. As a result, the slide member 21 slides on the support portion 12 by the linear drive displacement of the drive shaft 4 in the motor 2 and moves relative to the back-side main body portion 11 (see FIG. 3B). And the space parts 23d and 23d including the clearance gap between the wall parts 23c are formed in the right and left of the contact part 23a of the front side (refer FIG. 8).
[0022]
On the other hand, the rotation member 26 is disposed so as to sandwich the drive shaft 4 from both sides, and has a pair of rotation main body portions 27, 27 provided in parallel with the drive axis O1. A rotation shaft 27a having a rotation axis O3 in the direction of the board surface 101 (see FIG. 10) (that is, the direction orthogonal to the drive axis O1; see FIG. 2A) protrudes from the outer surface of each rotation main body 27. Yes. On the other hand, a protruding portion 27b (see FIG. 9) having an axis parallel to the rotation axis O3 protrudes from the inner surface of each rotation main body 27. The rotation shaft 27a is pivotally inserted into and supported by the shaft hole 13a (see FIG. 4A) of the front-side main body 13, and the protrusion 27b is disposed in the space portion 23d of the slide member 21 (see FIG. 8). The Thus, the abutting portions 23a and 23b of the slide member 21 are engaged with the drive shaft 4 of the motor 2 and displaced substantially parallel to the drive shaft 4, and the slide member 21 and the rotating member 26 are moved. It is connected.
[0023]
The rotating body 27 includes a synthetic resin outer body 27A (see FIG. 9) having a rotation shaft 27a and a synthetic resin inner body 27B (see FIG. 9) having a protrusion 27b. Is reinforced by lamination by means such as bonding with an adhesive. Further, the pair of rotating main body portions 27 and 27 (specifically, the pair of inner main body portions 27B and 27B) are connected between the first connecting portion 28 that connects the upper edge and the upper portion of the inner side surface. It is reinforced by the connecting portion 29. In addition, 28a is detected upward from the central portion in the left-right direction of the first connecting portion 28 in order to detect the rotational displacement of the rotating member 26 (and eventually the rotational displacement of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10) by the detecting means 50 described later. This is a protruding detection lever.
[0024]
As described above, generally, the intermediate transmission member transmits the linear drive displacement of the drive output unit along the displacement direction, and the linear displacement in the linear transmission unit around the rotation axis. And a rotation transmitting portion that converts the rotational displacement of a game ball guiding member that is rotatably provided.
The linear transmission unit according to the present embodiment includes a linear displacement unit that engages with the drive output unit of the electric linear motor and displaces substantially parallel to the drive output unit, and transmits the rotation through the linear displacement unit. Connected with the department.
However, the linear transmission portion according to the present invention includes a drive side engagement portion fixed to the drive output portion of the electric linear motor, and the drive side engagement portion includes a driven side engagement portion interlocked with the game ball guiding member. You may be comprised so that it may engage and be connected with a rotation transmission part. In this case, the straight line transmission unit may be integrated with the drive output unit.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 1, the opening adjustment members 10, 10 are configured to rotate around a rotation axis O <b> 2 in a direction orthogonal to the board surface 101 (see FIG. 10) of the gaming machine 100. Specifically, the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 project from the ball receiving portion 6 and pass through the rotation shafts 6a and 6a having the rotation axis O2 through the shaft holes 10b and 10b, and rotate around the rotation shafts 6a and 6a. Move. The opening adjusting members 10 and 10 are provided with opening adjusting member side engaging portions 10a and 10a (first engaging portions) protruding in parallel with the rotation axis O2, and the first engaging portions 10a and 10a are provided. The through hole 14a provided in the base plate 14 is penetrated. Then, the first engaging portions 10a, 10a are engaged with the rotating member side engaging portions 27c, 27c (second engaging portions) formed on the rotating main body portion 27 of the rotating member 26, and the rotation axis As the rotating member 26 rotates around O3, the first engaging portions 10a and 10a move up and down. The vertical movements of the first engaging portions 10a and 10a are converted into opening and closing movements of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 about the rotation shafts 6a and 6a.
[0026]
In such a transmission mechanism 20, the opening adjusting members 10, 10 are always closed in order to hold the opening adjusting members 10, 10 in a closed position which is safer against ball biting (ball clogging) and fraud. A biasing means 40 for biasing in the position direction is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), the urging means 40 has a rotation shaft 27a (rotation shaft) of the rotation member 26 so that the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 rotate in the closed position direction. It is comprised as a resilient member (for example, torsion coil spring) which urges | biases. The torsion coil spring 40 is spanned between the front side main body 13 located behind the base plate 14 and the outer main body 27A of the rotating member 26 (see FIG. 9).
[0027]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the drive shaft 4 of the motor 2 projects forward (drive displacement), the slide member 21 linearly moves forward. Further, the projection 27 b of the rotating member 26 rotates around the rotating shaft 27 a urged by the elastic member 40 so as to follow the forward movement of the slide member 21. Then, the first engaging portions 10a, 10a of the opening adjusting members 10, 10 engaged with the second engaging portions 27c, 27c of the rotating member 26 move downward, and the opening adjustment is performed as shown in FIG. The members 10, 10 are held in the closed position.
[0028]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the drive shaft 4 of the motor 2 protrudes rearward (drive displacement), the slide member 21 linearly moves rearward accordingly. At this time, as the wall portion 23c of the slide member 21 moves backward while receiving and holding the protruding portion 27b of the rotating member 26 against the biasing force of the elastic member 40, the rotating member 26 rotates. It rotates around the shaft 27a. Then, the first engagement portions 10a, 10a of the opening adjustment members 10, 10 engaged with the second engagement portions 27c, 27c of the rotating member 26 move upward, and the opening adjustment is performed as shown in FIG. The members 10, 10 are held in the open position.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 7, in the transmission mechanism 20, when an external force in the open position direction acts on the opening adjustment members 10, 10 positioned at the closed position between the slide member 21 and the rotating member 26. Further, a movement allowance mechanism 30 that allows movement of the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 in the open position direction is provided. Specifically, the movement allowing mechanism 30 includes a contact portion 23a on the front side of the slide member 21, space portions 23d and 23d (see FIG. 8) formed on the left and right sides of the contact portion 23a, and the space portion. 23d and 23d, and includes projecting portions 27b and 27b of the rotating member 26. Here, when the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 are in the closed position as shown in FIG. 3A, a case where the ball bite occurs due to the plurality of game balls B shown in FIG. Think. At this time, when an external force in the opening position direction is applied to the opening adjustment members 10 and 10, the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 are moved in the opening position direction as shown in FIG. 6B due to the presence of the space portions 23d and 23d. Displacement is possible. Also in this case, the urging force of the elastic member 40 acts to displace the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 in the closed position direction. The movement allowance mechanism 30 allows the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 to move in the open position direction as described above even when the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 are moving in the closing position direction.
[0030]
Further, the transmission mechanism 20 is provided with a detecting means 50 shown in FIG. 4B, and the rotational displacement of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 based on the driving displacement of the driving shaft 4 of the motor 2 is indirectly caused by the rotating member 26. Is detected. The detection reference position at this time is set to the closed position of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 determined by the drive displacement of the drive shaft 4. For this purpose, the detection means 50 is constituted by a non-contact sensor that is adjusted so that the rotation member 26 can be detected at a displacement position corresponding to the closed position of the opening adjustment members 10, 10. In general, the detection means is configured by a non-contact sensor capable of detecting the rotation transmitting portion at a displacement position corresponding to the first position of the game ball guiding member. Specifically, the position (presence / absence) of the detection lever 28a fixed to the first connecting portion 28 of the rotating member 26 is detected by using a transmissive photosensor (photoelectric sensor) 50. Reference numeral 51 denotes a power cable connector for the photosensor 50, and 52 denotes a substrate that holds the photosensor 50 and the connector 51 and is fixed to the base plate 14.
[0031]
Then, the photosensor 50 is notified to issue an alarm when the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 detect a state where the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 are not present in the closed position (detection reference position) continuously or intermittently for a predetermined time. Means 60 are provided. The notification means 60 may be any of an alarm by hearing such as a speaker (see FIG. 10), an alarm by visual observation such as a liquid crystal display, and an alarm by tactile sense such as a vibrator.
[0032]
The operation (alarm) of the notification means 60 based on the detection of the closed position non-existence state of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 by the photosensor 50 under the condition that the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 are closed position displacement is, for example, This is the case.
(1) When a closed position absence state is continuously detected for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds);
(2) When a closed position absent state is detected intermittently within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute), and when the closed position absent state detection integration time exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds); (3) predetermined When the closed position absence state is detected intermittently within a time (for example, 1 minute), when the closed position absent state detection count exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 5 times);
In this way, if the detection means issues a warning when the closed position non-existence state of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 is detected continuously or intermittently for a predetermined time, the ball biting state is immediately eliminated. In the case of fraudulent acts that are immediately stopped and no substantial damage occurs, no alarm is issued and the game is interrupted without losing interest.
[0033]
Returning to FIG. 1, in the electric tulip 1 configured as described above, the front-side main body 13 and the back-side main body 11 are fixed by a fixing member 120 such as one or a plurality of (for example, four) screws. Thereafter, it is held and fixed to the board surface 101 (see FIG. 10) via one or a plurality of (for example, two) mounting holes 140 formed in the base plate 14 of the front side main body 13 and a fixing member (not shown) such as a screw. Is done. Reference numeral 15 denotes a winning ball detection sensor for detecting a winning ball entering the winning hole 7, and includes a winning ball detection unit 15a formed by a proximity switch or the like immediately below the winning hole 7 (FIG. 3 ( b)).
[0034]
Next, the operation of the electric tulip 1 described above will be described.
(1) When the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 are in the closed position (see FIG. 3A), (1) the game ball passes through the operation gate (chucker) 103 (2) the electric tulip 1 to the winning port 7 itself A predetermined number of drive pulses are input to the motor 2 when any of the opening adjusting members 10 such as entering a ball, or 10 opening conditions are satisfied (see FIG. 10). Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the drive shaft 4 of the motor 2 protrudes rearward (drive displacement), the slide member 21 linearly moves rearward accordingly, and the rotary shaft 27a of the rotary member 26 is moved. The protrusion 27b rotates around. As a result, the first engagement portions 10a, 10a of the opening adjustment members 10, 10 engaged with the second engagement portions 27c, 27c of the rotating member 26 move upward, and the opening adjustment members 10, 10 are in the open position. It is held (see FIG. 5A).
[0035]
(2) When the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 are in the open position (see FIG. 5A), (1) a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed (2) a ball entering the winning opening 7 itself of the electric tulip 1 When any one of the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 closing conditions such as the above is satisfied, a predetermined number of reverse drive pulses are input to the motor 2. Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the drive shaft 4 of the motor 2 protrudes forward (drive displacement), the slide member 21 linearly moves forward, and the rotation member 26 is rotated by the rotation shaft 27a. Rotate around. As a result, the first engagement portions 10a, 10a of the opening adjustment members 10, 10 engaged with the second engagement portions 27c, 27c of the rotating member 26 move downward, and the opening adjustment members 10, 10 are in the closed position. It is held (see FIG. 3A).
[0036]
(3) When the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 are in the closed position (see FIG. 3A), the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 are moved toward the opening position due to the occurrence of a ball bite (ball clogging) or by an illegal act. When the external force is applied, the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 can be displaced in the open position direction by the movement allowance mechanism 30 as shown in FIG. At this time, since the urging force of the elastic member 40 acts to displace the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 in the direction of the closed position, the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 are vibrated so as to be shaken, and the slight ball engagement is performed. If it is a state or a momentary fraud, there is a case where it can be naturally resolved and returned to a normal state (that is, the state where the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 are in the closed position).
[0037]
(4) While the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 are moving in the closed position direction (see FIG. 4B), the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 are opened with respect to the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 due to the occurrence of a ball bite (ball clogging) or by an illegal act. Even when an external force in the position direction is applied, it is the same as (3) above. That is, the movement permitting mechanism 30 allows the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 to move in the open position direction, and the urging force of the elastic member 40 in the closed position direction also acts (see FIG. 6B).
[0038]
FIG. 10 shows an example of the gaming machine 100 provided with the electric tulip 1 for gaming machines described above on the board surface 101. In the present embodiment, the variable winning device also called a so-called tulip has been described as a specific object, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a winning device, an attacker or the like in a second-class game machine also called a so-called wings. In addition to these, a prize-winning device having a prize-winning opening, in which a game ball guiding member that guides a game ball based on an electric driving force is driven, and the game ball guiding member causes the game ball to enter the prize-winning hole. Any device that can be adjusted in ease is included in the winning device of the present invention. In particular, the present invention can be applied to any winning device that has been conventionally opened and closed by a solenoid. Further, as described above, the present invention can also be used for a gaming machine accessory.
[0039]
Furthermore, in the present invention, in the above description of operation (3) and (4), the detection means 50 described above is used in order to enable discrimination between a state in which a ball bit has occurred and a state in which an illegal act has been performed. The opening / closing control of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 as described below is performed. The opening / closing control of the opening adjusting members 10, 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0040]
In FIG. 11, first, the number of driving pulses N of the motor 2 and the set times T1, T2 are read (or set input; S1). Here, the number of drive pulses N is the number of pulses of the linear stepping motor 2 necessary for displacing the aperture adjusting members 10, 10 from the closed position to the open position (or from the open position to the closed position), and the set times T1, T2 are spherical. This means the photo sensor detection duration for determining whether the bite or the motor is defective. Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the closing signal of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 is output (S2). If there is an output, a closing pulse signal is output to the motor 2 to displace the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 to the closed position. (S3 to S4). Next, it is checked whether the photosensor 50 detects the detection lever 28a (see FIG. 4B) (S5). If not detected, a continuation check is performed until the set time T1 elapses (S6). If the photosensor 50 does not detect the detection lever 28a even after the set time T1 has elapsed, it is determined that a ball bit or a motor failure has occurred and an alarm is output (S7). If there is no closed signal output in S2, and if the photosensor 50 has already been detected in S5, the process proceeds to S8.
[0041]
On the other hand, when the process proceeds to S8, it is checked whether or not the opening signal of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 is output. If there is an output, an opening pulse signal is output to the motor 2 to open the opening adjusting members 10 and 10. (S9 to S10). Next, it is checked whether the photosensor 50 is not detecting the detection lever 28a (non-detection) (see FIG. 5B) (S11), and if it is detected, the check is continued until the set time T2 elapses. (S12). If the photosensor 50 detects the detection lever 28a even after the set time T2 has elapsed, it is determined that a motor failure has occurred and an alarm is output (S13). If there is no open signal output in S8, the process proceeds to S14, and if the photosensor 50 does not detect the detection lever 28a in S11, the process ends.
[0042]
Further, when the process proceeds to S14, the detection signal of the photosensor 50 is checked. When the photosensor 50 does not detect the detection lever 28a (see FIG. 6B), the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 are intentionally set. It is determined that an unauthorized attempt to move to the open position has been made, and an alarm is output (S15). If the detection of the photosensor 50 is normal in S14, the process ends.
[0043]
As described above, the opening / closing control of the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 is performed using the detection unit 50, thereby enabling the discrimination between the state in which the ball bit is generated and the state in which the cheating is performed. At that time, by setting the closed position of the opening adjustment members 10 and 10 as the detection reference position of the detection means 50, the detection reference position is made to coincide with the reference state of the game (the board surface state at the start of the game). It is easy to perform opening / closing control of the members 10 and 10. Further, since the detection means 50 is intended to detect the rotational displacement of the rotation member 26 (intermediate transmission member) as a displacement transmission system, the displacement due to the operation can be directly detected and accuracy can be expected. Furthermore, since a non-contact type sensor such as a photo sensor is used as the detecting means 50, the operation of the displacement transmission system from the motor 2 to the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 is not hindered.
[0044]
Next, FIG. 12 shows a modification of the slide member. In the slide member 121 shown in FIG. 12, the front contact portion 23a and the wall portion 23c in FIG. 8 are integrated to form a front end contact portion 23e, which further simplifies the structure. However, left and right front end portions of the drive shaft 4 are formed with space portions 23f and 23f that perform the same functions as the space portions 23d and 23d shown in FIG. Therefore, also in the modified example of FIG. 12, the movement allowance mechanism 300 can be disposed using the space portions 23f and 23f.
[0045]
FIG. 13 shows an example of changing the mounting position of the photosensor. A photosensor 500 shown in FIG. 13 is attached to a substrate 502 fixed to the front-side main body 13, and is configured to be a reflection type in order to detect the presence or absence of the outer main body 27A (rotating main body 27) of the rotating member 26. ing. In addition, the first connection part 28 and the detection lever 28a which connect the upper end edge of a pair of rotation main-body parts 27 and 27 are abbreviate | omitted by arrangement | positioning change of the photosensor 500. Reference numeral 501 denotes a power cable connector for the photosensor 500.
[0046]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim. To the extent that can be easily replaced by them, and improvements based on knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate.
[0047]
For example, in the above embodiment, a photo sensor which is a non-contact type position sensor for measuring the position (presence / absence determination) of the rotating member 26 (intermediate transmission member) is used as the detection unit 50. However, the detection unit is not limited thereto. Not. That is, the detection means uses a position sensor that measures the position of the intermediate transmission member (determining whether or not it is present) or a distance sensor that measures the distance to the intermediate transmission member, and uses the linear displacement of the linear transmission unit or the rotational displacement of the rotation transmission unit ( Any of them may be detected). As the non-contact position sensor, a capacitance sensor, a magnetic sensor, a high-frequency oscillation sensor, or the like can be used in addition to a photo sensor (photoelectric sensor). As the non-contact distance sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a magnescale, a laser sensor, or the like can be used.
[0048]
In the embodiment, a resilient member is used as the biasing means 40, but the biasing means is not limited to this. For example, a weight is attached to the rotating member 26, and a biasing force that biases the opening adjusting members 10 and 10 toward the closed position can be applied by a rotational moment around the rotational axis O3 based on the gravity. Alternatively, permanent magnets having opposite polarities are attached between the rotating member 26 and the front side main body 13, and the opening adjusting members 10, 10 are moved toward the closed position by a rotational moment around the rotational axis O 3 based on the repulsive force. An urging force for urging may be applied. By the way, although the biasing means 40 is interposed between the front side main body 13 and the rotating member 26 in the embodiment, it can be provided between the opening adjusting member 10 and the base plate 14 of the front side main body 13. .
[0049]
Further, in the embodiment, the movement allowance mechanism 30 is interposed between the linear transmission unit 21 and the rotation transmission unit 26. However, the linear transmission unit 21 and the linear drive shaft 4 are provided between the opening adjusting member 10 and the rotation transmission unit 26. It can also be provided in between.
[0050]
By the way, although the case where it has only two positions, the 1st position (closed position) and the 2nd position (open position), was demonstrated about the displacement position of the opening adjustment member (game ball guidance member) 10, this invention is 1st. This does not exclude the case where displacement positions after three positions are included.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an electric tulip for a gaming machine as an example of a prize winning device for a gaming machine according to the present invention.
2 is an assembled perspective view in which a part of the gaming machine winning apparatus of FIG. 1 is omitted, in which (a) shows a state in which an opening adjusting member is in a closed position, and (b) shows a state in which it is also in an open position.
FIG. 3 is a front view and a side sectional view of FIG.
4 is an enlarged plan view of an essential part of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are a front view and an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a main part in a state where a ball bit is generated in an opening adjusting member.
7 is a partially omitted perspective view and a plan view of the ball biting state of FIG. 6 as seen from a direction different from FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view, a plan view, and a side view of a slide member.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view, a plan view, and a side view of a rotating member.
FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine using the gaming machine winning device according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing opening / closing control of the opening adjusting member in the game machine winning device according to the present invention.
12 is a perspective view, a plan view, and a side view showing a modified example of the slide member of FIG. 8. FIG.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are a plan view and a side view illustrating a modification example of the mounting position of the photosensor. FIGS.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Electric tulips for gaming machines (awarding equipment for gaming machines; game machines)
2 Linear stepping motor (electric linear motor; drive actuator)
4 Linear drive shaft (drive output section)
7 Winning mouth
10 Opening adjustment member (game ball guide member)
20 Transmission mechanism
21 Slide member (intermediate transmission member; linear transmission part)
23a, 23b Contact part (linear displacement part)
26 Rotating member (intermediate transmission member; rotation transmission part)
30 Movement tolerance mechanism
40 Torsion coil spring (elastic member; biasing means)
50 Photosensor (non-contact sensor; detection means)
60 Speaker (notification means)
100 gaming machines

Claims

On the board surface of the gaming machine, in order to adjust the moving direction of the flowing game ball, it is displaceable between a first position that is relatively disadvantageous for the player and a second position that is relatively advantageous, and at least the first position. A game ball guiding member which is provided so as to be capable of holding a position and sets at least one of the ease of winning of the game ball and the movement path by its own displacement;
A drive actuator having a drive output unit and drivingly displacing the drive output unit to two positions corresponding to the first position and the second position;
A linear drive displacement of the drive output unit, and a linear transmission unit which transmits along the displacement direction, the rotation of the game balls induction member rotatably provided a linear displacement about a rotation axis at the linear transmission unit A gaming machine accessory having a transmission mechanism for transmitting to the gaming ball guiding member while converting to the displacement of the gaming ball guiding member via an intermediate transmission member including a rotation transmitting portion that converts to a displacement,
The drive actuator is composed of an electric linear motor in which the drive output unit is linearly displaced,
The transmission mechanism is
The second position with respect to the game ball guiding member that is interposed between the linear transmission portion and the rotation transmission portion of the intermediate transmission member and is located in the first position or moving in the first position direction. A movement allowing mechanism for allowing movement of the game ball guiding member in the second position direction when an external force in the direction is applied;
And a biasing means for biasing the game balls guide member in its movement permission state to the first position direction,
When an external force in the direction of the second position acts on the game ball guiding member in association with the ball biting that occurs when a plurality of game balls enter the game ball guiding member, The gaming ball guiding member vibrates so as to be swung by the movement in the second position direction and the urging means biasing the gaming ball guiding member in the first position direction. An accessory.

The transmission mechanism is
Detecting means for detecting the displacement of the game ball guiding member based on the driving displacement of the driving output unit directly or indirectly by the intermediate transmission member;
The gaming machine accessory according to claim 1, wherein a state in which the ball biting is continued is detected by the detection means .

Wherein the detecting means, a game machine utilities of claim 2 wherein said first position of the game balls induction member that is determined by the driving displacement of the drive output unit is set as the detection reference position.

The gaming machine accessory according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the detection means is capable of detecting the intermediate transmission member at a displacement position corresponding to the first position of the game ball guiding member .

The game according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the detecting means is provided with notifying means for notifying that the state where the game ball guiding member is not present at the first position is detected. Machine tool.

The gaming machine accessory according to claim 5, wherein the notification means issues an alarm when the detection means detects the first position absence state continuously or intermittently for a predetermined time .

7. The biasing device according to claim 1, wherein the biasing means rotationally biases the rotation shaft of the rotation transmitting unit so that the game ball guiding member rotates in a direction toward the first position. 8. The gaming machine item described.

On the board surface of the gaming machine, a first position that is openably and closably attached to a winning opening that receives a game ball, closes the winning opening, or narrows the opening of the winning opening, and the opening of the winning opening from the first position. A game that is displaceable to a second position that widens the position and can be held at least in the first position, and sets the ease of winning the game ball by its own displacement. A game ball guiding member;
A drive actuator having a drive output unit and drivingly displacing the drive output unit to two positions corresponding to the first position and the second position;
A linear transmission unit that transmits a linear drive displacement of the drive output unit along the displacement direction, and rotation of the game ball guide member that is provided so that the linear displacement in the linear transmission unit is rotatable about a rotation axis. A game machine winning device having a transmission mechanism for transmitting to the game ball guiding member while converting to the displacement of the game ball guiding member via an intermediate transmission member including a rotation transmitting portion for converting into displacement,
The drive actuator is composed of an electric linear motor in which the drive output unit is linearly displaced,
The transmission mechanism is
The second position with respect to the game ball guiding member that is interposed between the linear transmission portion and the rotation transmission portion of the intermediate transmission member and is located in the first position or moving in the first position direction. A movement allowing mechanism for allowing movement of the game ball guiding member in the second position direction when an external force in the direction is applied;
Biasing means for biasing the game ball guiding member in the movement-permitted state in the first position direction;
Detection in which the first position of the game ball guiding member determined by the driving displacement of the driving output unit is set as a detection reference position, and the intermediate transmission member is detected at a displacement position corresponding to the first position. Means and
When an external force in the direction of the second position acts on the game ball guiding member in association with the ball biting that occurs when a plurality of game balls enter the game ball guiding member, The game ball guiding member vibrates so as to be swung by the movement in the second position direction and the biasing of the game ball guiding member in the first position direction by the biasing means, and the ball biting by the detecting means A winning device for gaming machines characterized by detecting a state in which the game continues.

A gaming machine comprising the gaming machine accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the game machine winning device according to claim 8 on a board surface.