JP6068898B2 - Sensor module mounting structure for gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sensor module mounting structure for a gaming machine in which a sensor module provided with a detection element for detecting a movable object is attached to a base body fixed to the gaming machine.

  In recent years, in game machines, not only effects using a liquid crystal display device but also effects using a mechanical effect device that is mechanically driven have been performed. As an effect using the effect accessory device, for example, two accessory bodies are retracted in spaces formed on both sides of the liquid crystal display device, and the two accessory bodies are moved to both sides based on a predetermined opportunity. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a gaming machine that performs an effect by combining two main bodies together by projecting from a direction onto a display surface of a liquid crystal display device.

  In order to drive and control such an accessory body, a sensor module for detecting whether the accessory body is in the retracted position or the protruding position is fixed to a base body provided in the gaming machine. Conventionally, the sensor module is fixed by fixing one end of the sensor module to the base body with a screw.

  However, in the sensor module provided in the vicinity of the movable object such as the above-mentioned accessory body, there is a considerable vibration due to the movement of the movable object. If it does so, in a conventional fixing technique, a screw will loosen by vibration and fixation of a sensor module will become unstable. Further, when the wiring connected to the sensor module is routed, the screw may loosen due to the swinging of the sensor module, and the fixing of the sensor module may become unstable.

  Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, one end side of the sensor module is fixed to the base body with a screw, and further, a fixed piece that spans the sensor module and is in contact with the sensor module and pressed against the base body. Describes a structure for screwing.

JP 2011-67405 A

  However, since the technique of Patent Document 1 requires a fixing piece, the number of parts increases and the cost increases. Further, in addition to screwing one end of the sensor module, it is necessary to screw the fixing piece, which complicates the operator.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor module mounting structure for a gaming machine that can easily fix the sensor module to the base body without increasing the number of parts by devising the shape of the base body. To do.

In order to solve the above problems, a sensor module mounting structure for a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a sensor module for a gaming machine in which a sensor module provided with a detection element for detecting a movable object is attached to a base body fixed to the gaming machine. In the mounting structure, the sensor module is fixed to a support plate having a through hole formed on one end side, and the base body includes a first surface provided with a screw hole into which a screw is screwed. , Spaced apart in a direction orthogonal to the first surface, and between the second surface provided at a position where the screw hole of the first surface is not covered, the first surface, and the second surface The support plate has a dimensional relationship in which the other end side of the support plate enters the gap in a state where the through hole faces the screw hole. The screw that passes through the screw hole and is screwed into the screw hole. Wherein the sensor module it is characterized in that it is attached to the base body.

  The base body may include a restricting portion that restricts movement of the sensor module in a direction along the first surface and perpendicular to the connection between the one end side and the other end side of the sensor module. Good.

  The gaming machine may include a rendering accessory device having an accessory body and a drive mechanism that moves the accessory body, and the sensor module may detect the accessory body as a movable object.

  By devising the shape of the base body, the sensor module can be easily fixed to the base body without increasing the number of parts.

It is a perspective view of the gaming machine showing a state where the door is opened. It is a front view of the gaming machine when the accessory body is in the retracted position. It is a front view of the gaming machine when the accessory body is in the protruding position. It is a figure for demonstrating the detection of the accessory main body by a sensor module. It is a figure for demonstrating a base body. It is a figure explaining the attachment structure of the sensor module to a base body.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated. To do.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, showing a state where the door is opened. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 in which an enclosed space is formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, a middle frame 4 attached to the outer frame 2 by a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed, A front frame 6 attached to the middle frame 4 so as to be opened and closed by a hinge mechanism is provided.

  As with the outer frame 2, the middle frame 4 has an enclosed space formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, and a game board 8 is held in the enclosed space. The front frame 6 holds a transmission plate 10 made of glass or resin. When the middle frame 4 and the front frame 6 are closed with respect to the outer frame 2, the game board 8 and the transmission plate 10 face each other substantially in parallel while maintaining a predetermined distance, and from the front side of the gaming machine 1. The game board 8 can be visually recognized through the transmission plate 10.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 when the accessory main body 52a is in the retracted position, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 when the accessory main body 52a is in the protruding position. As shown in these drawings, an operation handle 12 that protrudes to the front side of the gaming machine 1 is provided at the lower portion of the front frame 6. The operation handle 12 is provided so that the player can perform a rotation operation. When the player rotates the operation handle 12 and performs a launch operation, the operation handle 12 has a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation handle 12 and is not illustrated. A game ball is launched by the launch mechanism. The game balls thus fired are raised between the rails 14 a and 14 b provided on the game board 8 and guided to the game area 16.

  The game area 16 is a space formed at a distance between the game board 8 and the transmission plate 10 and is an area where the game ball can flow down or roll. The game board 8 is provided with a large number of nails and windmills, and a game ball guided to the game area 16 collides with the nails and windmills, and flows down and rolls in an irregular direction.

  The game area 16 includes a first game area 16a and a second game area 16b that differ in the degree of entry of the game ball according to the firing strength of the launch mechanism. The first game area 16 a is located on the left side of the game area 16 when viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 1, and the second game area 16 b is the game area 16 viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 1. Located on the right side. Since the rails 14a and 14b are on the left side of the game area 16, a game ball launched with a launch intensity less than a predetermined intensity by the launch mechanism enters the first game area 16a and launches with a launch intensity greater than a predetermined intensity. The played game ball enters the second game area 16b.

  Further, the game area 16 is provided with a general winning port 18, a first starting port 20, and a second starting port 22 through which game balls can enter. These general winning port 18, first starting port 20, and first starting port 20 are provided. 2 When a game ball enters the start opening 22, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

  When a game ball enters the first start port 20 or the second start port 22, a special symbol lottery is performed, and whether or not a special game advantageous to the player can be executed and the subsequent game state is determined according to what game state. Various game profits (states) are determined. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first start port 20 or the second start port 22, the player acquires a predetermined prize ball and, at the same time, acquires an opportunity for acquiring a right to receive various game benefits. It becomes.

  The second starting port 22 is provided with a movable piece 22b that can be opened and closed, and the ease of entry of the game ball into the second starting port 22 changes according to the state of the movable piece 22b. It has become. Specifically, when the second start port 22 is in the closed state, it is impossible or difficult to enter the game ball into the second start port 22. On the other hand, when a game ball passes through the gate 24 provided in the game area 16, a normal symbol lottery to be described later is performed, and when the win is won by this lottery, the movable piece 22b is controlled to be in an open state for a predetermined time. Is done. As described above, when the movable piece 22b is in the open state, the movable piece 22b functions as a tray that guides the game ball to the second start port 22, and the game ball can easily enter the second start port 22.

  Further, an attacker device 26 is provided below the first start port 20 and the second start port 22. The attacker device 26 includes a large winning opening 28 through which a game ball can enter and an open / close door 28b for opening and closing the large winning opening 28. Normally, the open / close door 28b closes the large winning opening 28. Thus, it is impossible to enter a game ball into the special winning opening 28. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned special game is executed, the open / close door 28b is opened, and the game ball can be inserted into the special winning opening 28. When a game ball enters the special winning opening 28, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

  At the bottom of the game area 16, game balls that have not entered any of the general winning opening 18, the first starting opening 20, the second starting opening 22, and the big winning opening 28 are played from the gaming area 16. A discharge port 30 for discharging is provided on the back side of the panel 8.

  The game board 8 is provided with an effect display device 50 composed of a liquid crystal display device and an effect agent device 52 composed of a movable device, as effect devices that produce effects during the progress of the game. The effect display device 50 includes an effect display unit 50 a that displays an image, and the effect display unit 50 a is arranged in a substantially central portion of the game board 8 so as to be visible from the front side of the gaming machine 1. As shown in the figure, the effect symbols 40a, 40b, and 40c are variably displayed on the effect display unit 50a, and the player is notified of the jackpot lottery result according to the stop display mode of each of the effect symbols 40a, 40b, and 40c. It becomes.

  In addition, a production effect device 52 is provided in front of the production display unit 50a. As will be described in detail later, the accessory body 52a constituting the effect accessory device 52 is usually in a space on the back side of the game board 8 formed on the side of the effect display unit 50a (hereinafter referred to as an accommodation space). It has been evacuated, making it difficult for the player to see. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the accessory main body 52 a is moved, for example, during the variable display of the effect symbols 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c described above, and protrudes from the accommodation space and is disposed on the front surface of the effect display unit 50 a. In this way, the production actor device 52 gives a big hit expectation to the player. Hereinafter, the position of the accessory body 52a when placed in the accommodation space is referred to as a “retracted position”, and the position of the accessory body 52a when placed in front of the effect display unit 50a is referred to as a “projecting position”.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a sensor module 100 that detects whether the accessory main body 52a is in the retracted position, the protruding position, or between the retracted position and the protruding position. Yes.

  4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining detection of the accessory main body 52a by the sensor module 100. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the sensor module 100, and FIG. The exploded view of the thing main body 52a is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the sensor module 100 is, for example, a photo interrupter, and includes a support plate 110, a light emitting unit 120, and a light receiving unit 122. A through hole 110a is formed on one end side of the support plate 110, and a terminal portion 110b (connector) is provided on the other end side. The terminal unit 110b connects a control unit (not shown), the light emitting unit 120, and the light receiving unit 122 through wiring.

  The light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 122 are provided on the support plate 110 while maintaining a predetermined gap 130. The light emitting unit 120 is configured by, for example, an LED (Light-Emitting Diode), and irradiates light such as infrared rays toward the light receiving unit 122. The light receiving unit 122 is configured by, for example, a phototransistor, and detects light emitted from the light emitting unit 120. Therefore, while the light receiving unit 122 is detecting the light irradiated by the light emitting unit 120, it indicates that there is no object in the gap 130, and while the light receiving unit 122 is not detecting the light irradiated by the light emitting unit 120. Indicates that an object is present in the gap 130 and that the object blocks the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 122.

  Next, detection of the accessory body 52a using the sensor module 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4B, the accessory body 52a is sandwiched between the front plate 150, the base body 200, and the back plate 152 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction in FIG. 4B. . More specifically, the upper portions of the front plate 150 and the back plate 152 are screwed with screws 160 while maintaining a gap, and the lower portions of the base body 200 and the back plate 152 are screwed with screws 162 while maintaining a gap. At this time, the accessory main body 52 a is accommodated in a gap formed between the front plate 150 and the base body 200 and the back plate 152.

  The back plate 152 is provided with a guide hole 152a, and the guide plate 154 is fixed to the slide shaft 52b with screws 164 and a bush 166 in a state where the slide shaft 52b of the accessory body 52a is passed through the guide hole 152a. Is done. Thereby, the slide shaft 52b is guided by the guide hole 152a, and the accessory main body 52a is slidably supported with respect to the front plate 150 and the back plate 152.

  A rack 52c is provided at the lower end of the accessory body 52a, and the rack 52c meshes with a first gear 310 that is rotatably fixed to the base body 200. The first gear 310 further meshes with a second gear 312 that is rotatably fixed to the base body 200. When the second gear 312 is rotated by a motor (not shown), the rotation is transmitted to the first gear 310, and the accessory main body 52a (rack 52c) is rotated along the X axis in FIG. 4B by the rotation of the first gear 310. Will move in the direction.

  The base body 200 is provided with the two sensor modules 100 described above (indicated by 100a and 100b in FIG. 4B), and detects the position of the accessory body 52a. More specifically, the accessory body 52a is provided with a blocking portion 52d, and the blocking portion 52d is disposed in the gap 130 of the sensor module 100a at the retracted position shown in FIG. Further, at the protruding position, the blocking part 52d provided in the accessory body 52a enters the gap 130 of the sensor module 100b.

  In the present embodiment, the length in the X-axis direction of the blocking part 52d is shorter than the length in the X-axis direction of the casing of the light emitting unit 120 and the casing of the light receiving unit 122.

  Therefore, when the light receiving unit 122 of the sensor module 100a does not detect the light emission of the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 122 of the sensor module 100b detects the light emission of the light emitting unit 120, the accessory body 52a is in the retracted position. Indicates that there is. Similarly, when the light receiving unit 122 of the sensor module 100a detects the light emission of the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 122 of the sensor module 100b does not detect the light emission of the light emitting unit 120, the accessory body 52a is in the protruding position. Indicates that there is. When the light receiving unit 122 of the sensor module 100a detects the light emission of the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 122 of the sensor module 100b detects the light emission of the light emitting unit 120, the accessory body 52a protrudes from the retracted position. It shows that it is between the positions.

  Thus, the sensor module 100 is fixed to the base body 200 in order to detect the position of the accessory body 52a. Hereinafter, a structure for mounting the sensor module 100 to the base body 200 will be described. First, a specific shape of the base body 200 will be described, and then a structure for mounting the sensor module 100 to the base body 200 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the base body 200, FIG. 5 (a) shows a perspective view of the base body 200, and FIG. 5 (b) shows a V (b) line in FIG. 5 (a). The YZ sectional drawing in is shown. As shown in FIG. 5A, the base body 200 includes a top surface 210 disposed on the XY plane, a top surface 210 continuous with the top surface 210 and disposed on the XZ plane, and provided with screw holes 222a and 222b. One surface 220, a second surface 230 provided in a position that is separated from the first surface 220 in a direction orthogonal to the first surface 220 (the −Y-axis direction in FIG. 5) and that does not cover the screw hole 222a, and the first surface 220 And the second surface 230, and a gap 250 formed between the first surface 220 and the second surface 230. Further, the first surface 220 is provided with a restricting portion 226.

  In the present embodiment, the gap 250 has a thickness in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 5 slightly smaller than the thickness of the support plate 110 (terminal portion 110b) of the sensor module 100 (the thickness in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 4A). It is formed to be large. That is, the distance L between the first surface 220 and the second surface 230 is slightly larger than the thickness of the support plate 110 (terminal portion 110b) of the sensor module 100 (the thickness in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 4A). Thus, the base body 200 is configured.

  6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining a structure for attaching the sensor module 100a to the base body 200. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining a method for attaching the sensor module 100a. FIG. 6C is a YZ sectional view taken along line VI (c) in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the sensor module 100a is attached to the base body 200, the sensor module 100a is tilted as shown by an arrow in FIG. The other end is inserted into the gap 250, and the through hole 110a is opposed to the screw hole 222a.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the screw 182 is passed through the through hole 110a and screwed into the screw hole 222a. Then, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the terminal portion 110b enters the gap 250 and is positioned, and the second surface 230 is positioned in front of the terminal portion 110b. That is, the sensor module 100 a is provided in a state of being sandwiched between the first surface 220 and the second surface 230.

  As described above, the distance between the first surface 220 and the second surface 230 is slightly smaller than the thickness of the support plate 110 (terminal portion 110b) of the sensor module 100 (the thickness in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 4A). Since the base body 200 is configured to be larger, the movement of the terminal portion 110b in the + Y-axis direction in FIG. 6 is restricted by the first surface 220, and the first surface of the terminal portion 110b is restricted by the second surface 230. Movement in a direction orthogonal to 220 (in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 6) is restricted.

  Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a situation where the sensor module 100a swings in the ± Y-axis direction in FIG. 6 without fixing the sensor module 100a with another member.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the restricting portion 226 and the side walls 264 and 266 of the base body 200 are disposed on both sides of the support plate 110 of the sensor module 100a. 226 and side walls 264 and 266 can restrict the rotation (movement in the ± X-axis direction in FIG. 6) of the sensor module 100a with the through hole 110a as a rotation axis. That is, the restricting portion 226 is a direction along the first surface 220, and the sensor module 100a in a direction (± X axis direction in FIG. 6) perpendicular to the connection between the one end side and the other end side of the sensor module 100a. Will be restricted.

  As described above, according to the sensor module mounting structure according to the present embodiment, since the second surface 230 is integrally formed as the base body 200, a dedicated member for fixing the sensor module 100 is not necessary. Become. Accordingly, an increase in the number of parts can be avoided, and the cost of the sensor module mounting structure can be reduced.

  Further, the sensor module 100a can be stably fixed to the base body 200 by an easy operation such as simply screwing the sensor module 100a into the screw hole 222a.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Is done.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the screw hole 222a provided in the base body 200 penetrates the first surface 220, but does not necessarily have to penetrate as long as the screw 182 can be screwed together.

  Moreover, although the base body 200 demonstrated the structure which has the control part 226 in embodiment mentioned above, the control part 226 is not an essential structure. For example, as described above, the rotation of the sensor module 100a with the through hole 110a as the rotation axis (movement in the ± X axis direction in FIG. 6) can be performed only by the side walls 264 and 266 provided on both sides of the gap 250. Can be regulated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the sensor module 100 is a photo interrupter (photo sensor) has been described. However, if the sensor module is provided with a detection element that detects a movable object, other detection such as a magnetic sensor is performed. Means may be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the accessory main body 52a has been described as an example of the movable object that is the detection target of the sensor module 100. However, the movable object main body 52a is not limited to the movable object main body 52a. It may be.

  The light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 122 described above correspond to the detection element of the present invention, and the first gear 310, the second gear 312 and the actuator such as a motor (not shown) described above correspond to the driving mechanism of the present invention. To do.

  In addition, although the 2nd surface 230 is not distribute | arranged to sensor module 100b vicinity mentioned above, you may comprise the base body 200 so that the 2nd surface 230 may also be distribute | arranged to the front surface of the sensor module 100b.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 52 ... Production | presentation actor apparatus 52a ... The accessory main body 100 ... Sensor module 110 ... Support plate 110a ... Through-hole 110b ... Terminal part (other end side)
120 ... Light emitting part (detecting element)
122. Light receiving part (detecting element)
182 ... Screw 200 ... Base body 220 ... First surface 222a ... Screw hole 226 ... Restricting portion 230 ... Second surface 250 ... Gap 310 ... First gear (drive mechanism)
312 ... Second gear (drive mechanism)

Claims (3)

A sensor module mounting structure for a gaming machine in which a sensor module provided with a detection element for detecting a movable object is attached to a base body fixed to the gaming machine,
The sensor module is
The detection element is fixed to a support plate in which a through hole is formed on one end side,
The base body is
A first surface provided with a screw hole into which a screw is engaged;
A second surface provided in a position that is separated in a direction orthogonal to the first surface and the screw hole of the first surface is not covered;
A gap formed between the first surface and the second surface;
Have
The support plate has a dimensional relationship in which the other end side of the support plate enters the gap with the through hole facing the screw hole, and passes through the through hole and is screwed into the screw hole. A sensor module mounting structure for a gaming machine, wherein the sensor module is mounted to the base body by the screw . The base body is
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restricting portion that restricts movement of the sensor module in a direction along the first surface and orthogonal to a connection between the one end side and the other end side of the sensor module. 2. A sensor module mounting structure of the gaming machine according to 1. The gaming machine is
The main body,
A driving mechanism for moving the accessory body;
The sensor module mounting structure for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module detects the accessory body as a movable object.

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