JP6857352B2 - Operation switch for game machine and game machine equipped with it - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an operation switch for a game machine and a game machine including the operation switch.

Conventionally, various gaming machines such as ball-playing machines such as pachinko machines and are-pachi machines, and spinning-type gaming machines such as slot machines and pachislot machines have been provided. There is also a so-called player-participation-type gaming machine that allows players to participate in the game. As a player-participation type gaming machine, one equipped with an operation switch capable of pressing and moving operation (push operation) by the player is provided, for example, depending on the navigation display (notification display) on the liquid crystal display unit. The player can determine and execute the display contents by pressing and moving the operation buttons.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-124836 Japanese Patent No. 5568720

However, the participation operations that can be performed with this type of player participation type game machine are often simple operations such as simply pressing the operation switch, and the effect of the operation switch itself becomes monotonous and lacks freshness. There was a problem that the player's interest in the game could not be sufficiently aroused.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses an effect button device having a load increasing / decreasing means for increasing a button reaction force against a pressing operation of an operation button. This effect button device includes an urging means that urges the operation button in a direction opposite to the direction in which the pressing operation is performed, and a base (movable base) that is movably arranged behind the operation button. The movable base is transferred to the operation button side by the base transfer means to increase the button reaction force of the operation button, and the movable base is transferred in the direction opposite to the pressing operation of the operation button to increase the button reaction force. Is configured to return to the initial state.

However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, since the resistance force is changed by changing the length of the spring, although the resistance force changes slightly, it cannot be changed significantly. For this reason, it is difficult to say that the player can surely experience the change, and it is difficult to achieve the purpose of giving the player fun by the change in the operation feeling.

As another example, a technique such as Patent Document 2 has also been proposed. The ball game machine disclosed in Patent Document 2 is configured to be switchable between a state in which the brake pad is in contact with the effect button reflector and a state in which the brake pad is not in contact, and the load factor is changed by such switching. There is. However, in such a configuration in which the brake pads are switched between contact and non-contact, the brake pads must be displaced and pressed against the effect button reflector each time the load factor is changed. In such a configuration, the brake pad and the effect button reflector must be provided facing each other, which limits the installation location and has a problem that the degree of freedom in design is small. In addition, since an impact is likely to be applied at the time of pressing and the same pressing surface is always in contact with each other, the pressing surface of the brake pad is likely to be worn or damaged, and if this progresses, proper braking operation may not be performed. There is also.

An object of the present invention is to more easily realize a configuration capable of changing the operation feeling of a player more reliably.

The operation switch for a game machine of the present invention
It is an operation switch for the game machine that is provided so that the player can operate the game machine externally.
A base member that can be attached directly to the game machine or indirectly via another member,
An operating member held by the base member and arranged so as to be relatively displaceable within a predetermined range in a predetermined direction from a reference position with respect to the base member.
A generating part that generates an electric field or a magnetic field, a housing part that houses a functional fluid whose viscosity changes when an electric field or a magnetic field is applied, and a housing part that is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the operating member, and at least a part thereof is described above. It is provided with a displacement portion that is arranged in a state of being immersed in the functional fluid in the accommodating portion, and when the generating portion applies an electric field or a magnetic field to the functional fluid, the generating portion causes the functional fluid. A resistance means that increases the resistance force against the displacement of the operating member as compared with the case where no electric field or magnetic field is applied to the operating member.
It is characterized by having.

The operation switch for a game machine of the present invention includes a generating portion that generates an electric field or a magnetic field, and a displacement portion that is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the operating member and is arranged in a state where at least a part thereof is immersed in a functional fluid. It has a resistance means provided with. This resistance means increases the resistance force against the displacement of the operating member when the generating part applies an electric field or a magnetic field to the functional fluid than when the generating part does not apply an electric field or a magnetic field to the functional fluid. Make a configuration to make.

According to this configuration, when the generating part applies an electric field or a magnetic field to the functional fluid, the resistance force against the displacement of the operating member can be relatively increased. Therefore, when the operating member is operated in this state, it is relative. The operation feels like performing an operation that resists a large resistance force. On the other hand, when the generating part does not apply an electric field or a magnetic field to the functional fluid, the resistance force against the displacement of the operating member is relatively small, so when the operating member is operated in this state, the resistance force is relatively felt. It feels like you are operating without it. In particular, since the resistance force can be changed by changing the viscosity of the functional fluid that comes into direct contact with the displacement part, it is easy to cause a large change in the resistance force, and the part that comes into contact with the displacement part is the functional fluid. Therefore, problems such as wear and damage are unlikely to occur. As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to more easily realize a configuration in which the operation feeling of the player can be changed more reliably.

The operation switch for a game machine of the present invention may have a control means for controlling the generation of an electric field or a magnetic field by a generating unit.

According to this configuration, control for changing the operation feeling of the player can be electrically performed by the control means.

The operation switch for a game machine of the present invention may have a moving means capable of moving the operating member to a predetermined position. The control means may be configured to control the generation of an electric field or a magnetic field when the operating member is in a predetermined position.

According to this configuration, it is possible to realize a device capable of generating a relatively large resistance force when operating the operating member at a predetermined position.

The operation switch for a game machine of the present invention may have a transmission mechanism for interlocking the operation member and the displacement portion of the resistance means.

According to this configuration, since the displacement portion can be provided at a position away from the operating member, the degree of freedom in design is increased, and it is desirable to arrange the displacement portion, the functional fluid, etc. at a position away from the operating member. It is advantageous in the configuration. Further, the transmission mechanism may be a gear mechanism, and the resistance force can be adjusted by adjusting the gear ratio of the gear mechanism.

In the operation switch for a game machine of the present invention, the functional fluid may be a ferrofluid whose viscosity changes when a magnetic field is applied. The generating unit may be an electromagnet that is configured to be switchable between an excited state and a non-excited state and generates a magnetic flux that extends to the magnetic viscous fluid contained in the accommodating unit in the excited state.

According to this configuration, a configuration capable of more reliably changing the operation feeling of the player can be realized more easily by using a ferrofluid, an electromagnet, or the like.

In the operation switch for a game machine of the present invention, the functional fluid may be an electrorheological fluid whose viscosity changes when an electric field is applied. The generating portion may be a pair of electrodes arranged so as to sandwich the accommodating region of the electrorheological fluid in the accommodating portion.

According to this configuration, a configuration capable of more reliably changing the operation feeling of the player can be realized more easily by using an electrorheological fluid, an electrode pair, or the like.

In the operation switch for a game machine of the present invention, the operation member may be held by the base member so as to be able to reciprocate within a predetermined range. Then, it may have a holding means for holding the operating member at a predetermined intermediate position between one end and the other end of a predetermined range.

According to this configuration, in a device in which the operating member can reciprocate within a predetermined range and can be held at a predetermined intermediate position, it is possible to add a configuration capable of more reliably changing the operating feeling of the player.

The operation switch for a game machine of the present invention has a detection means for detecting that the operating member has reached a predetermined displacement state, and an effect of performing a predetermined effect on the game machine when the detection means detects a predetermined displacement state. It may have a control means.

According to this configuration, when the operating member is in a predetermined displacement state, a predetermined effect can be performed in the game machine, and by performing an operation of changing the operating sensation of the player in such an operating member, the operating member can perform a predetermined effect. You can make the game even more interesting.

The present invention may be configured as a game machine provided with the above-mentioned operation switch for the game machine.

According to this game machine, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the operation switch for the game machine.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an operation switch for a game machine and a game machine using the operation switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an operation switch for a game machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the operation switch for the game machine of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the operation switch for the game machine of FIG. 2 from a direction different from that of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the game machine operation switch according to the first embodiment when the operation member is in the reference position (normal position). FIG. 6 is a schematic side sectional view when the operating member is in the reference position (normal position). FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the game machine operation switch according to the first embodiment when the operation member is in a special position. FIG. 8 is a schematic side sectional view when the operating member is in a special position. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the game machine operation switch according to the first embodiment when the operation member is in the pressed position. FIG. 10 is a schematic side sectional view when the operating member is in the pressed position. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operation switch for a game machine according to the first embodiment, which is cut near the upper position of the gear interlocking mechanism. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operation switch for a game machine according to the first embodiment, cut at a position different from that of FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged cross section of the resistance device. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the game machine operation switch according to the second embodiment when the operation member is in the reference position (normal position). FIG. 15 is a schematic side sectional view when the operating member is in the reference position (normal position). FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operation switch for a game machine according to the second embodiment when the operation member is in a special position. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the game machine operation switch according to the second embodiment when the operation member is in the pressed position. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an operation switch for a game machine according to a third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a plan view of the operation switch for the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the operation switch for a game machine according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an operation switch for a game machine according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an operation switch for a game machine according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a part of the operation switch for the game machine according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 24A is a front view partially showing a state in which the operation unit is in the reference position of the operation switch for the game machine according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 24B is a rear view thereof. .. FIG. 25 (A) is a front view partially showing a state in which the operation unit is in a special position of the game machine operation switch according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 25 (B) is a rear view thereof. .. FIG. 26 is a schematic side sectional view of the game machine operation switch according to the eighth embodiment when the operation member is in the reference position (normal position). FIG. 27 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an operation switch for a game machine according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the operation switch for the game machine of FIG. 27, which is disassembled into an operation unit and a transmission mechanism. FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the operation switch for the game machine of FIG. 27. FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view showing the operation switch for the game machine of FIG. 27 from a direction different from that of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operation switch for a game machine according to the ninth embodiment when the operation member is in the reference position (normal position). FIG. 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the game machine operation switch according to the ninth embodiment when the operation member moves within a predetermined range from the reference position (normal position). FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged cross section of the resistor device of another embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a game machine operation switch according to the present invention and a first embodiment embodying the game machine provided with the operation switch will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine (hereinafter, also referred to as a pachinko machine) 1 includes a frame-shaped outer frame 2 that forms an outer shell thereof. The outer frame 2 is supported by an inner frame 3 that can be opened one-sided toward the front side via a hinge portion. Similarly, the inner frame 3 is supported by a front frame 4 that can be opened one-sided toward the front side via a hinge portion. The inner frame 3 is equipped with a game board in which a game area is formed on the front side by a guide rail (not shown), and a ball launching device for launching a game ball toward the game area is provided below the game board. ..

The front frame 4 is opened with a window portion 4A corresponding to the game area of the game board formed through the window portion 4A in the thickness direction. A transparent plate 4B is detachably arranged on the rear surface side of the front frame 4 so as to close the window portion 4A. The transparent plate 4B makes it possible to visually recognize the game area through the window portion 4A when the front frame 4 is closed with respect to the inner frame 3. Further, on the lower front side of the front frame 4, a ball tray 5 for temporarily storing game balls such as rental balls and prize balls, rectifying the stored game balls and supplying them to the ball launcher, and ball launching. A firing handle 6 is provided for adjusting the firing force at which the device launches the game ball. An operation switch 10 for a game machine is provided on the upper surface of the ball tray 5 so that at least a part of the ball tray 5 is exposed from the outer wall portion so that the player can operate the ball tray 5.

In the present specification, the direction orthogonal to the front surface of the transparent plate 4B is the front-rear direction, and the player side is the front side and the game board side (the back side of the pachinko machine 1) is the rear side. In the example of FIG. 1, the direction orthogonal to the board surface of the game board (not shown) is the front-back direction. Further, the game area is configured along the transparent plate 4B, and the direction in which the game ball flows down in this game area is the vertical direction. In the example of FIG. 1, the vertical direction is the vertical direction. Further, the directions orthogonal to the front-back direction and the up-down direction are defined as the left-right direction.

Hereinafter, the operation switch for the game machine (hereinafter, also referred to as the operation switch) 10 will be described in detail.
The operation switch 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided so that the pachinko machine 1 can be externally operated by the player according to the gaming state including the standby state, and as shown in FIG. 2, a predetermined artificial operation by the player is provided. The operating member 22 is configured so that the operating member 22 can be displaced, the base member 30 that holds the operating member 22 in a displaceable manner, the moving device 12 that can move the operating member 22 to a predetermined position (see also FIG. 5), and the operating member 22. It has a resistance device 100 that imparts a resistance force to the slingshot and a control circuit 140 (see FIG. 13) that controls the generation of a magnetic field by the electromagnet 130.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation member 22 has a main body portion 22A having a cylindrical shape and a top surface portion 22B having a circular shape in a plan view integrally connected to the upper end portion of the main body portion 22A. It has a cylindrical shape with the upper end closed and the lower end open. The operation member 22 functions as a part of the operation unit 20, and the upper surface portion 22B is arranged so as to be exposed to the outside as shown in FIG. 1, and the upper surface portion 22B functions as a pressed portion to be pressed by the player. ..

The upper surface portion 22B of the operation member 22 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be formed of, for example, a light-transmitting material that transmits light, and when a light emitting means such as an LED is arranged inside the operation member 22, this light emission is performed. The light emitted from the means is emitted to the outside via the upper surface portion 22B. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of extension portions 26 are formed at the lower end portion of the main body portion 22A so as to extend downward, and the extension portion 26 and the peripheral edge portion of the button base 24 are screwed together. It is designed to be connected by a connecting member such as a member.

The button base 24 shown in FIG. 3 functions as a bottom member of the operating portion 20 by being connected to the lower end portion of the operating member 22 (main body portion 22A). Through holes 24A and 24B penetrating in the thickness direction are formed in the button base 24, and an elevating guide shaft 36A described later is formed on the lower surface of the button base 24 so as to communicate with the through holes 24A and 24B. , The shaft support portions 28A and 28B in which the support hole portions 29A and 29B that slidably support the 36B and 36B are formed, respectively, are attached. The support hole portions 29A and 29B have holes in the vertical direction, and by fitting the support hole portions 29A and 29B into the elevating guide shafts 36A and 36B described later, the operating portion 20 moves in the vertical direction with respect to the elevating guide shafts 36A and 36B. It has a function to stably maintain a predetermined posture. Further, an extension portion 24C extending in the radial direction is formed on the lower surface of the peripheral edge of the button base 24 in a substantially L-shaped side surface, and functions as a detection unit for detecting the position of the operation portion 20 described later.

As shown in FIG. 5, the operating member 22 is held by the base member 30 described later and is arranged so as to be relatively displaceable within a predetermined range in a predetermined direction from the reference position with respect to the base member 30. Specifically, the operation unit 20 formed by connecting the operation member 22 and the button base 24 is held by the base member 30 and moves up and down (see FIGS. 5 to 10). The specific operation of the operating member 22 will be described later.

In this configuration, the vertical direction is the predetermined direction (moving direction of the operating member 22), and the operating member 22 can be displaced in the vertical direction within a predetermined range. Specifically, the position of the operating member 22 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is an example of the reference position, and the operating member 22 is the position of the operating member 22 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 (a special position raised to the uppermost portion). ) To the position of the operating member 22 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 (pressing position lowered to the bottom).

The base member 30 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 2, and is directly or indirectly attached to the pachinko machine 1 via another member. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base member 30 is formed in a tubular shape having a diameter larger than that of the main body 22A of the operating member 22, and includes a cover member 32 that covers the operating member 22 so as to surround the periphery of the operating member 22. It has a plate-shaped elevating base 34 connected to the lower end of the cover member 32. The cover member 32 has a cylindrical portion 32A that has a cylindrical shape and accommodates the main body portion 22A, and a flange portion 32B having a circular shape in a plan view that extends radially outward from the lower end portion of the cylindrical portion 32A. .. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, the base member 30 is covered with a cover body 96 whose lower portion is open, and the operation unit 20 is passed through an opening 96A opened in the center of the upper wall of the cover body 96. The constituent operating members 22 move up and down.

As shown in FIG. 3, an annular groove portion 34A that fits with the flange portion 32B of the cover member 32 is formed on the upper surface portion of the elevating base 34, and the upper surface portion of the elevating base 34 has a flange portion in the groove portion 34A. With the 32B housed in it, it is connected to the flange portion 32B by a connecting member such as a screw. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a holding portion 34B for rotatably holding a part (rotating arm 44) of the elevating mechanism 40 described later is formed on the upper surface portion of the elevating base 34. The elevating base 34 and a part of the elevating mechanism 40 (rotating arm 44) are connected by the holding portion 34B.

As shown in FIG. 6, two elevating guide shafts 36A and 36B are fixed to the elevating base 34 so as to rise upward from the elevating base 34, and are fixed to the upper ends of the elevating guide shafts 36A and 36B. , The elevating guide base 38 is fixed. The elevating guide shafts 36A and 36B have a function of slidably fitting with the button base 24 of the operation unit 20 and guiding the operation unit 20 in a stable state in the vertical direction.

The moving device 12 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of moving means, and is configured as a device capable of moving the operating member 22 to a predetermined position. The moving device 12 has a transmission mechanism 14 and a motor 18 as a drive source for applying a driving force to the transmission mechanism 14.

The transmission mechanism 14 includes an elevating mechanism 40 that elevates and lowers the operating member 22, and a rotation interlocking mechanism 50 that rotates and interlocks a plurality of gears. The transmission mechanism 14 has a function of displacementing the operating member 22 in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 18, and also has a function of interlocking the operating member 22 and the displacement portion 120 of the resistance device 100.

A case body 90 composed of a first case body 91 and a second case body 92 is fixed below the elevating base 34 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, and a gear group is provided inside the case body 90. A rotation interlocking mechanism 50 composed of a provided gear mechanism is housed, and each gear of the gear group constituting the rotation interlocking mechanism 50 is sandwiched between the first case body 91 and the second case body 92 from both sides in the rotation axis direction. I'm doing it. The motor 18 and the resistance device 100 are fixed to the outside of the first case body 91 so as to cooperate with the rotation interlocking mechanism 50 housed in the case body 90.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the rotation interlocking mechanism 50 meshes with the first gear 51 which is connected to the drive shaft 18A (rotation shaft) of the motor 18 and rotates around a predetermined rotation axis X1 and the first gear 51. A second gear 52 that rotates around the rotation axis X2, a third gear 53 that meshes with the second gear 52 and rotates around the rotation axis X3, and a fourth gear that meshes with the third gear 53 and rotates around the rotation axis X4. It includes a gear group including 54, a fifth gear 55 that meshes with the fourth gear 54 and rotates around the rotation axis X5, and a sixth gear 56 that meshes with the fifth gear 55 and rotates around the rotation axis X6. The rotation axes X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 have a parallel positional relationship.

The motor 18 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is composed of, for example, a stepping motor, and the displacement (rotation amount) of the drive shaft 18A is controlled by the control circuit 140 shown in FIG. The first gear 51 connected to the drive shaft 18A of the motor 18 is a motor fixed to the case body 90 (first case body 91) so as to rotate about a predetermined rotation axis X1 inside the case body 90. Held by 18. As shown in FIG. 5, the second gear 52 is rotatably held by the case body 90 so that it meshes with the first gear 51 and can rotate about the rotation axis X2 parallel to the rotation axis X1. The third gear 53 is connected to a part of the displacement portion 120 (rotational shaft portion 122) of the resistance device 100 described later, meshes with the second gear 52, and rotates about the rotation axis X3 parallel to the rotation axis X1. It is held by a resistance device 100 fixed to the case body 90 (first case body 91) so as to be possible. The fourth gear 54 is rotatably held by the case body 90 so that it meshes with the third gear 53 and can rotate about the rotation axis X4 parallel to the rotation axis X1. The fifth gear 55 is rotatably held by the case body 90 so that it meshes with the fourth gear 54 and can rotate about the rotation axis X5 parallel to the rotation axis X1. The sixth gear 56 is rotatably held by the case body 90 so that it meshes with the fifth gear 55 and can rotate about the rotation axis X6 parallel to the rotation axis X1. The sixth gear 56 is integrally formed with the cam portion 62, and the cam component 60 is formed by these. In the rotation interlocking mechanism 50 configured in this way, when the motor 18 rotates, the first gear 51, the second gear 52, the third gear 53, the fourth gear 54, the fifth gear 55, and the sixth gear 56 are all interlocked. It operates so as to rotate the cam portion 62. On the contrary, even if a rotational force is applied to the cam component 60 (cam portion 62), the rotation interlocking mechanism 50 has the first gear 51, the second gear 52, the third gear 53, the fourth gear 54, and the fifth gear 55. , The sixth gear 56 operates so as to rotate in conjunction with each other. Among the gear groups of the rotation interlocking mechanism 50, the first gear 51 connected to the drive shaft 18A of the motor 18 has the largest diameter, and the second gear 52, the third gear 53, the fourth gear 54, and the fifth gear 55 The gear ratio of the first gear 51 is about 1/2 of that of the first gear 51, and the sixth gear 56 integrally configured with the cam portion 62 has a smaller diameter and the gear ratio is about 2/5 of that of the first gear 51. It has become. Therefore, the cam component 60 rotates more than the rotation of the motor 18.

As shown in FIG. 5, the elevating mechanism 40 includes a cam portion 62 of the cam component 60, a first elevating member 42, a second elevating member 46, and a rotating arm 44.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first elevating member 42 is fixed to the lower surface of the button base 24 described above by a connecting member such as a screw, is arranged so as to extend downward from the button base 24, and has a long length in the vertical direction. It takes the form of a shape. The first elevating member 42 is configured to be integrally displaced with the above-mentioned operation unit 20 and to move in the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, a long hole portion 42A long in the horizontal direction in which the rotating arm 44 is linked is formed near the lower end portion of the first elevating member 42. Further, a plate-shaped guide portion 42B for guiding the elevating and lowering of the first elevating member 42 is formed on the side portion of the first elevating member 42, and the lower end portion of the guide portion 42B serves as a pressing position of the operation portion 20 described later. It functions as a detector to detect.

As shown in FIG. 5, one end of the rotating arm 44 is rotatably supported by the holding portion 34B of the elevating base 34, and as shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 44A formed at the other end is first elevated and lowered. It is engaged in a form of being inserted into a long hole portion 42A formed in the member 42. Further, a protrusion 44B linked to the second elevating member 46 is formed in the middle portion of the rotating arm 44. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotation arm 44 has a configuration of rotating around the rotation axis X7 parallel to the rotation axes X1 to X6 of the gear group of the rotation interlocking mechanism 50, and the rotation arm 44 rotates. The protrusions 44A and 44B move up and down in response to the movement, and the first elevating member 42 and the second elevating member 46 move up and down in conjunction with the vertical movement.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the second elevating member 46 has a horizontally long elongated hole 46A formed in the vicinity of the upper end portion, which is linked to the rotating arm 44, and a cam portion 62 at the lower end portion. A roller 46B is provided so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral portion. The second elevating member 46 is engaged with the elongated hole 46A at the upper end with the protrusion 44B of the rotating arm 44 inserted so that the second elevating member 46 can move up and down while maintaining a posture in which the longitudinal direction is the vertical direction. It is being held.

The cam portion 62 is integrally formed with the sixth gear 56 described above, and is configured to spread in the radial direction about the rotation axis X6 and to rotate about the rotation axis X6. The outer peripheral portion (cam surface) of the cam portion 62 has a curved surface configuration in which the distance from the rotation axis X6 gradually and continuously changes in the circumferential direction, and slides with the roller 46B of the second elevating member 46 to elevate and elevate the operation portion 20. Let me. At this time, the roller 46B is in sliding contact with the outer peripheral portion (cam surface) of the cam portion 62 while rotating, so that the resistance is reduced.

The resistance device 100 corresponds to an example of the resistance means, is fixed to the case body 90 (first case body 91) as shown in FIG. 2, and has an internal configuration as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the resistance device 100 includes a housing 104 in which the accommodation space 104A is formed in a cavity shape, an electromagnet 130 accommodated in the housing 104, and a displacement of the operating member 22 while being inserted into the housing 104. It is provided with a displacement portion 120 which rotates in conjunction with the housing portion 110 and is arranged in a state where at least a part of the housing portion 110 is immersed in the functional fluid 102. The resistance device 100 has a resistance force against the displacement of the operating member 22 when the electromagnet 130 applies a magnetic field to the functional fluid 102, as compared with the case where the electromagnet 130 does not apply a magnetic field to the functional fluid 102. Has the function of increasing.

The displacement portion 120 functions as a rotating portion that rotates around a predetermined rotating axis X3, and is formed in a shaft shape and arranged so as to extend in a predetermined direction, and the rotating shaft portion 122 is outside the outer peripheral portion of the rotating shaft portion 122. The rotary blade 124 is provided with a rotary blade 124 projecting in a flange shape, and the entire rotary blade 124 is arranged in a state of being immersed in the functional fluid 102 in the accommodating portion 110 formed in the housing 104.

The accommodation space portion 104A of the housing 104 is formed between a pair of holding space portions 105A and 105B whose inner wall surface is formed as a cylindrical surface having a predetermined diameter and these holding space portions 105A and 105B, and the inner wall surface is a holding space. It has a housing portion 110 configured as a cylindrical surface having a diameter larger than the diameter of the portions 105A and 105B. A part of the displacement portion 120 and the functional fluid 102 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 110. Bearing portions 106A and 106B that rotatably support the rotating shaft portion 122 of the displacement portion 120 are attached to the holding space portions 105A and 105B. The bearing portions 106A and 106B are configured as known bearings. Further, in the holding space portions 105A and 105B, seal members 108A and 108B are provided near the boundary with the accommodating portion 110 to prevent leakage of the functional fluid 102 accommodated in the accommodating portion 110. The sealing members 108A and 108B are configured as an encapsulating packing, and seal between the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft portion 122 and the inner peripheral surface of the holding space portions 105A and 105B.

The electromagnet 130 corresponds to an example of the generating unit, and is configured to be switchable between an excited state and a non-excited state, and is configured to generate a magnetic flux extending to the functional fluid 102 housed in the accommodating unit 110 in the excited state. .. The electromagnet 130 is arranged so that a coil configured to be energized surrounds the accommodating portion 110 and the rotary blade 124 in an annular shape. Then, for example, the electromagnet 130 is arranged so that the magnetic flux in the direction intersecting the front surface and the rear surface of the rotary blade 124 reaches the functional fluid 102 in the excited state (that is, when the coil is energized). In FIG. 13, the direction of the magnetic flux is conceptually shown by the reference numeral W.

The functional fluid 102 is configured as a known ferrofluid (MR fluid) and has a property that its viscosity changes when a magnetic field is applied. The functional fluid 102 is a fluid that can be reversibly and instantly changed from a free liquid to a semi-solid state by changing a magnetic field. For example, ferromagnetic particles (for example, carbonyl iron) are converted into an oil liquid (for example, silicon oil). ) It has a dispersed structure. In the absence of a magnetic field (when no magnetic field is applied by the electromagnet 130), the functional fluid 102 functions as a Newtonian fluid and becomes a fluid having a relatively low viscosity. When a magnetic field is applied from the outside, the functional fluid 102 functions as a Bingham fluid whose shear stress changes depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field, and its viscosity becomes significantly higher than when no magnetic field is applied.

In the example of FIG. 13, the rotary blade 124 is immersed in the functional fluid 102, and the front surface, the rear surface, and the outer peripheral surface of the rotary blade 124 are in contact with the functional fluid 102. The resistance device 100 configured in this way has a configuration in which the viscosity of the functional fluid 102 is higher when the electromagnet 130 is in the excited state than when it is in the non-excited state. When the electromagnet 130 is in the non-excited state, the viscosity of the functional fluid 102 is relatively low, and at this time, the frictional resistance against the rotation of the rotary blade 124 is small, so that the rotary blade 124 is easy to rotate. On the contrary, when the electromagnet 130 is in the excited state, the viscosity of the functional fluid 102 becomes relatively high, and at this time, the frictional resistance against the rotation of the rotary blade 124 is large, so that the rotary blade 124 becomes difficult to rotate.

The control circuit 140 is configured as an electronic device including, for example, a microcomputer. The control circuit 140 includes a drive circuit, an arithmetic circuit, and the like for switching between energization and de-energization of the coil of the electromagnet 130 provided in the resistance device 100. Further, the control circuit 140 is configured to be able to control the amount of rotation of the motor 18.

Here, an example of the operation of the operation switch 10 will be described.
In a normal time when the predetermined game conditions described later are not satisfied, the control circuit 140 controls the drive shaft 18A of the motor 18 (FIG. 11) to be kept at a predetermined rotation reference position. At this time, FIGS. 5 and 6 The position of the operation member 22 (operation unit 20) is at the reference position (normal position) as described above.

As shown in FIG. 5, detection switches 71 and 72 composed of proximity sensors and the like are vertically attached to the cover member 32 of the base member 30 along the movement of the operation unit 20, and the operation unit 20 is attached to the cover member 32 in FIG. , That is, when the operation member 22 reaches the reference position (normal position), the detection switch 71 detects the state shown in FIG. Specifically, when the operating member 22 reaches the reference position, the extension portion 24C is close to the detection switch 71 as shown in FIG. 5, and the detection switch 71 detects the extension portion 24C with respect to the control circuit 140. The detection signal is output. By acquiring such a detection signal, the control circuit 140 can grasp that the operating member 22 is in the reference position.

Then, when a predetermined game condition is satisfied, the control circuit 140 rotates the motor 18 so that the cam portion 62 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 5, and the motor until the cam portion 62 reaches the rotation position shown in FIG. The drive shaft 18A of 18 is rotated. In addition, as an example of "when a predetermined game condition is satisfied", for example, when a predetermined game state such as a reach effect on a display screen of a liquid crystal display unit (not shown) or a big hit is reached. When the state of FIGS. 5 and 6 is changed to the state of FIGS. 7 and 8 by the rotational drive of the motor 18, the roller 46B slides according to the rotation of the cam portion 62 (counterclockwise rotation in FIG. 5). The second elevating member 46 in contact is raised, and the rotating arm 44 is rotated upward in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. When the rotating arm 44 rotates in this way, the first elevating member 42 with which the protrusion 44A (FIG. 6) formed at the end of the rotating arm 44 is engaged also rises, and in conjunction with this, the operating unit It also rises by 20. When the operating member 22 finally reaches the special position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the control circuit 140 stops the rotation of the motor 18.

In this configuration, the detection switch 72 detects when the operation unit 20 is in the state shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, that is, when the operation member 22 is in a special position. Specifically, when the operating member 22 is in the special position, the extension portion 24C is close to the detection switch 72 as shown in FIG. 7, and the detection switch 72 detects the extension portion 24C with respect to the control circuit 140. The detection signal is output. By acquiring such a detection signal, the control circuit 140 can grasp that the operating member 22 is in a special position.

Then, when the operation member 22 is pushed downward by the player when the operation member 22 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is in the special position, the operation unit 20 and the first elevating member 42 are integrally lowered. At the same time, the rotating arm 44 linked with the first elevating member 42 rotates clockwise downward in FIG. 7, and the second elevating member 46 descends in conjunction with this. Then, the outer peripheral portion of the cam portion 62 is pushed by the second elevating member 46 and rotates clockwise in FIG. 7. The operating member 22 can be lowered to the pressing position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, a detection switch 73 composed of a proximity sensor or the like is attached to the case body 90 (second case body 92), and the operation unit 20 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. When the state is reached, that is, when the operating member 22 is in the pressed position, the detection switch 73 detects it. Specifically, when the operating member 22 is in the pressed position, the guide portion 42B of the first elevating member 42 is close to the detection switch 73 as shown in FIG. 9, and the detection switch 73 detects and controls the guide portion 42B. A detection signal is output to the circuit 140. By acquiring such a detection signal, the control circuit 140 can grasp that the operating member 22 is in the pressed position.

Such an operation is the basic operation of the operation switch 10, but in this configuration, the control of the resistance device 100 by the control circuit 140 is further added. Specifically, the control circuit 140 controls to generate a magnetic field with respect to the electromagnet 130 (generating portion) when the operating member 22 is in a predetermined position, and the resistance force (resistive force) against the rotation of the displacement portion 120 in the resistance device 100. The force that opposes the force that tries to rotate the displacement portion 120) is increased as compared with the case where the magnetic field is not generated.

For example, the special position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 can be set as the "predetermined position", and in this case, when the operating member 22 is in the special position or when the operating member 22 is in the special position. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control circuit 140 controls the electromagnet 130 (generating unit) to be in an excited state to generate a magnetic field and increase the viscosity of the functional fluid 102. As a result, the resistance force against the rotation of the rotating shaft portion 122 increases, and the third gear 53 connected to the rotating shaft portion 122 becomes difficult to rotate, so that the cam portion 62 interlocking with the third gear 53 becomes difficult to rotate. Therefore, when the player pushes the operation member 22, the player resists a state in which the electromagnet 130 (generating portion) does not apply a magnetic field to the functional fluid 102, that is, a resistance that only rotates the rotation interlocking mechanism 50. The resistance force at the time of pressing is increased as compared with the case of pressing with the force, and a change in the operation feeling (a change in which the operation member 22 is less likely to be pressed) can be surely felt. In this case, the electromagnet 130 may be maintained in a non-excited state when the operating member 22 is not in a special position.

Further, in this configuration, when the pressing operation of the operating member 22 causes the pressing position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and the detection signal is output from the detection switch 73 to the control circuit 140, a predetermined effect is produced. May be done. There are various predetermined effects. For example, the display device provided on the game board may display a special still image or moving image, and the effect device (gimmick) provided on the game machine may be movable. The effect may be changed depending on the situation, and a special lamp display, sound, vibration, or the like may be performed. In this example, the detection switch 73 corresponds to an example of the detection means, and has a function of detecting that the operating member 22 is in a predetermined displacement state. Further, the predetermined effect described above may be performed by the control of the control circuit 140, or may be performed by a control device other than the control circuit 140. When the control circuit 140 performs the above-mentioned predetermined effect, this corresponds to an example of the effect control means, and when another control device performs the effect, this corresponds to an example of the effect control means. In the present embodiment, after the operation member 22 is detected as the lowest position by the detection switch 73, the motor 18 is driven after a lapse of a predetermined time to rotate the cam component 60 counterclockwise as shown in FIG. The member 22 is relocated to the reference position.

Here, the effects of the operation switch 10 and the pachinko machine 1 will be illustrated.
The operation switch 10 includes an electromagnet 130 (generating unit) that generates a magnetic field, and a displacement unit 120 that is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the operating member 22 and is arranged in a state where at least a part thereof is immersed in the functional fluid 102. The resistor device 100 is provided. In this resistance device 100, when the electromagnet 130 (generating part) applies a magnetic field to the functional fluid 102, the resistance device 100 does not apply a magnetic field to the functional fluid 102 and does not apply a resistance force against the displacement of the operating member 22. It is configured to increase resistance.

According to this configuration, when the electromagnet 130 (generating portion) applies a magnetic field to the functional fluid 102, the resistance force against the displacement of the operating member 22 can be relatively increased, so that the operating member 22 is in this state. When you operate, you will feel as if you are performing an operation that resists a relatively large resistance force. On the other hand, when the electromagnet 130 (generating part) does not apply a magnetic field to the functional fluid 102, the resistance force against the displacement of the operating member 22 can be made relatively small. Therefore, when the operating member 22 is operated in this state, The operation feels like performing an operation against a relatively small resistance force. In particular, since the resistance force can be changed by changing the viscosity of the functional fluid 102 that comes into direct contact with the displacement portion 120, it is easy to cause a large change in the resistance force, and the portion that comes into contact with the displacement portion 120 Since it is a functional fluid 102, problems such as wear and damage are unlikely to occur. As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to more easily realize a configuration in which the operation feeling of the player can be changed more reliably.

The operation switch 10 having this configuration includes a control circuit 140 that controls the generation of a magnetic field by the electromagnet 130 (generation unit). According to this configuration, the control circuit 140 can electrically perform control for changing the operation feeling of the player. Further, since electrical control is possible, the resistance force of the operating member 22 can be adjusted steplessly from the free state to the extent that it cannot be operated. Therefore, the resistance force can be changed over time to enhance the interest of the player, and as a holding means for holding the predetermined position of the operating member 22, the player cannot operate the operating member 22 unnecessarily. You can also do it.

The operation switch 10 having this configuration has a moving device 12 (moving means) capable of moving the operating member 22 to a predetermined position (specifically, a special position). The control circuit 140 is configured to control the electromagnet 130 (generating unit) to generate a magnetic field when the operating member 22 is in a predetermined position. According to this configuration, it is possible to realize a device capable of generating a relatively large resistance force when operating the operating member 22 at a predetermined position.

The operation switch 10 having this configuration has a transmission mechanism 14 that links the operation member 22 and the displacement portion 120 of the resistance device 100. According to this configuration, since the displacement portion 120 (the portion in contact with the functional fluid 102) can be provided at a position away from the operating member 22, the degree of freedom in design is increased, and the displacement portion 120 and the functional fluid 102 are provided. It is advantageous in a configuration in which it is desired to dispose such as a position away from the operating member 22.

In the operation switch 10 having this configuration, the functional fluid 102 is a ferrofluid fluid whose viscosity changes when a magnetic field is applied. The generating unit is configured to be switchable between an excited state and a non-excited state, and is composed of an electromagnet 130 that generates a magnetic flux extending to the magnetic viscous fluid housed in the accommodating unit 110 in the excited state. According to this configuration, a configuration capable of more reliably changing the operation feeling of the player can be realized more easily by using a ferrofluid, an electromagnet, or the like.

In the operation switch 10 of the present invention, the operation member 22 is held by the base member 30 so as to be able to reciprocate within a predetermined range. Then, the moving device 12 functions as a holding means for holding the operating member 22 at a predetermined intermediate position between one end and the other end of the predetermined range. According to this configuration, in a device in which the operating member 22 can reciprocate within a predetermined displacement range and can be held at a predetermined intermediate position, it is possible to add a configuration that more reliably changes the operating feeling of the player. ..

The operation switch 10 having this configuration is a detection switch 73 (detection means) for detecting that the operation member 22 is in a predetermined displacement state, and a detection switch 73 (detection means) when a predetermined displacement state is detected. It has an effect control means for performing a predetermined effect on the game machine. According to this configuration, when the operation member 22 is in a predetermined displacement state, a predetermined effect can be performed on the game machine, and the operation member 22 performs an operation of changing the operation feeling of the player. Therefore, the game can be made more interesting.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described.
The operation switch 210 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 is different from the first embodiment only in that a spring member 202 configured as a coil spring is provided, and is the same as that of the first embodiment except that. Make up the composition. Therefore, the parts having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Since the same as FIGS. 1 to 13 except that the spring member 202 is provided, these figures are referred to as appropriate.

In the operation switch 210, a spring member 202 is provided between the elevating base 34 and the button base 24, and in a normal state where the same predetermined gaming conditions as in the first embodiment are not satisfied, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. , The force that the operation unit 20 tries to move downward due to gravity and the pressing force (elastic force) by the spring member 202 are balanced, and the operation unit 20 has a predetermined height (the operation member 22 is the same as in the first embodiment). At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the cam portion 62 of the cam component 60 and the roller 46B of the second elevating member 46 are separated from each other and are operated. Since the reference position (normal position) and the pressing position shown in FIG. 17 of the unit 20 are reactivated by the elasticity of the spring member 202, the control circuit 140 does not drive the motor 18, and the drive shaft 18A of the motor 18 As described above, since the driving operation of the motor 18 is not required in the normal state, the power consumption can be reduced.

Then, when a predetermined game condition is satisfied, the control circuit 140 rotates the motor 18 so that the cam portion 62 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 14, and the motor until the cam portion 62 reaches the rotation position shown in FIG. The drive shaft 18A of 18 is rotated. This operation is the same as the operation of moving to a special position in the first embodiment. When the operating member 22 reaches the special position shown in FIG. 16, the control circuit 140 stops the rotation of the motor 18.

Then, when the operating member 22 is pushed downward in the state as shown in FIG. 16, the elevating mechanism 40 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the first elevating member 42 and the second elevating member 46 are lowered. At the same time, the outer peripheral portion of the cam portion 62 is pushed by the second elevating member 46 and rotates clockwise in FIG. The operating member 22 can be lowered to the pressing position shown in FIG. 17, as in the first embodiment.

Also in this configuration, the control of the resistance device 100 (FIG. 13) by the control circuit 140 (FIG. 13) is added. Specifically, as in the first embodiment, the special position shown in FIG. 16 can be set as the "predetermined position". In this case, when the operating member 22 is in the special position, or the operating member 22 is in the special position. When the condition is satisfied and the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control circuit 140 controls the electromagnet 130 (generating unit) to be in an excited state to generate a magnetic field, and increases the viscosity of the functional fluid 102. As a result, the displacement portion 120 becomes difficult to rotate and the operating member 22 becomes difficult to move downward. Therefore, when the player pushes the operating member 22, the electromagnet 130 (generating portion) causes a magnetic field with respect to the functional fluid 102. The resistance force at the time of pressing is increased and the operation feeling is changed (the operation member 22 is hard to be pressed) as compared with the state where You can definitely feel the change. Further, also in this configuration, when the pressing position of the operating member 22 is set to the pressing position shown in FIG. 17 and the detection signal is output from the detection switch 73 to the control circuit 140, the same as in the first embodiment. Can perform a predetermined effect. In the present embodiment, the return to the reference position (normal position) is performed by urging the spring member 202, and the resistance device 100 operates only when the operation member 22 is pressed from the special position. However, even at the reference position (normal position) shown in FIG. 14, the cam portion 62 of the cam component 60 and the roller 46B of the second elevating member 46 are brought into sliding contact with each other to resist the pressing operation of the operating member 22. You may try to apply force.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the third embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 18, the operation switch 310 of the third embodiment is held by the base member 330 directly or indirectly attached to the game machine via another member, and is held by the base member 330 and is referred to the base member 330. It includes an operating member 322 arranged so as to be relatively displaceable within a predetermined range in a predetermined direction from a position. Specifically, the base member 330 holds the operating member 322 so as to be vertically movable, and further, as a means of moving between the plate-shaped portion 332 of the base member 330 and the lower surface portion 322A of the operating member 322. A spring member 302 is interposed. When the operating member 322 is given an urging force to move it upward by the spring member 302 and no external pressing force is applied to the operating member 322, the operating member 322 is set to the reference position shown in FIG. It is designed to be kept at.

An extension portion 324 is formed so as to extend downward from the lower surface portion 322A of the operation member 322, and a rack gear 324A is provided on the side portion of the extension portion 324 facing downward from the plate-shaped portion 332 of the base member 330. Is formed. Further, in this configuration, a resistance device 100 similar to that of the first embodiment is fixed as a resistance means to the case body 390 fixed below the base member 330, and the rotating shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100 is attached to the rotation shaft portion 122. A pinion gear 340 is attached. A rack and pinion mechanism (transmission mechanism) is configured by the rack gear 324A and the pinion gear 340. In this configuration, the pinion gear 340 and the rotating shaft portion 122 rotate integrally in conjunction with the vertical movement of the operating member 322. The case body 390 is provided with a detection switch 371 (detection means) for detecting that the operation member 322 is in a predetermined displacement state (pressing position), and is provided on the lower side (rack gear 324A) of the extension portion 324. The detection unit 324C extended to the opposite side) acts in close proximity to the detection unit 324C.

Also in this configuration, a control circuit (not shown) similar to the control circuit 140 (FIG. 13) of the first embodiment is provided, and this control circuit is provided with a predetermined timing (for example, the “predetermined” described in the first embodiment. When the game condition is satisfied, etc.), the electromagnet 130 (generating part) is controlled to be in an excited state to generate a magnetic field, and the viscosity of the functional fluid 102 (FIG. 13) is increased. As a result, the resistance force against the rotation of the displacement portion 120 (rotation shaft portion 122) increases, and the rack gear 324A becomes difficult to move up and down. Therefore, when the player pushes the operation member 322, the electromagnet 130 (generation portion) moves. Compared to the state where no magnetic field is applied to the functional fluid 102, that is, when the spring member 302 is pressed against the urging (resistance), the resistance force at the time of pressing is increased and the operation feeling is changed. (Change in which the operating member 322 is less likely to be pressed) can be surely felt.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the operation switch 410 of the fourth embodiment is held by the base member 430, which is directly or indirectly attached to the game machine via another member, and the base member 430, and is held by the base member 430. On the other hand, the operation member 422 is arranged so as to be relatively displaceable within a predetermined range in a predetermined direction from the reference position. Specifically, the base member 430 rotatably holds the operating member 422 so that it can rotate about the rotating axis Y1, and the rotating axis Y1 of the operating member 422 is the rotating shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100. It is also the axis of rotation of.

As shown in FIG. 20, the operating member 422 has a first member 422A exposed to the outside from the base member 430 and a disk-shaped second member 422B attached to the lower end of the first member 422A. A shaft portion 423 extends downward from the lower surface of the second member 422B. The base member 430 is formed in a box shape by a plurality of parts, and internally supports a bearing portion 432 that rotatably supports the shaft portion 423 and a lower surface of a disk-shaped portion of the second member 422B. A support plate 434 is provided.

The operation member 422 is held by the base member 430 so that it can rotate in both directions within a predetermined displacement range (predetermined rotation range) about the rotation axis Y1. Further, inside the base member 430, spring members 451 and 452 are provided so as to connect the peripheral edge portion of the second member 422B and the inner wall portion of the base member 430, and the operating member 422 is displaced (rotation range). It functions as a holding means for holding at a predetermined intermediate position between one end and the other end of the. Further, the spring members 451 and 452 correspond to an example of the moving means, and have a function of urging the operating member 422 in the direction of returning to the predetermined reference positions shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. That is, when the operating member 422 is not operated, the spring members 451 and 452 keep the operating member 422 at the reference position (intermediate position in the predetermined rotation range) shown in FIG.

Further, in this configuration, the resistance device 100 similar to that of the first embodiment is fixed to the bottom wall portion 430A of the base member 430, and the rotating shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100 is fixed to the shaft portion 423 described above. .. That is, the displacement portion 120 of the resistance device 100 and the operation member 422 are configured to rotate integrally.

Also in this configuration, a control circuit (not shown) similar to the control circuit 140 (FIG. 13) of the first embodiment is provided, and this control circuit is provided with a predetermined timing (for example, the “predetermined” described in the first embodiment. When the game condition is satisfied, etc.), the electromagnet 130 (generating part) is controlled to be in an excited state to generate a magnetic field, and the viscosity of the functional fluid 102 (FIG. 13) is increased. As a result, the resistance force against the rotation of the displacement portion 120 (rotation shaft portion 122) increases, and the operation member 422 becomes difficult to rotate. Therefore, when the player rotates the operation member 422, the electromagnet 130 (generation unit) moves. Compared to the state where no magnetic field is applied to the functional fluid 102, that is, when it rotates against the urging (resistance) of only the spring members 451 and 452, the resistance force during the rotation operation increases, and the operation It is possible to reliably feel a change in sensation (a change in which the operating member 422 becomes difficult to rotate).

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, the fifth embodiment will be described.
The operation switch 510 of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 21 is held by the base member 530 and the base member 530 which are directly or indirectly attached to the game machine via other members, and is held by the base member 530 from the reference position with respect to the base member 530. The operation member 522 is arranged so as to be relatively displaceable within a predetermined range in a predetermined direction. Specifically, the base member 530 is slidably holding the operating member 522 so that it can reciprocate along a predetermined direction.

The operating member 522 has a longitudinal first member 522A exposed to the outside from the base member 530 and a longitudinal second member 522B connected to the lower end of the first member 522A, and the second member. A rack gear 524A is formed on the lower surface portion 524 of the 522B. Further, in this configuration, the same resistance device 100 as in the first embodiment is fixed to the base member 530, and the pinion gear 540 is attached to the rotating shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100. A rack and pinion mechanism (transmission mechanism) is configured by the rack gear 524A and the pinion gear 540. In this configuration, the pinion gear 540 and the rotating shaft portion 122 rotate integrally in conjunction with the sliding operation of the operating member 522.

The operating member 522 is held by the base member 530 so that it can reciprocate within a predetermined displacement range (predetermined slide range). Further, inside the base member 530, spring members 551 and 552 are provided so as to connect both ends of the second member 422B and the inner wall portion of the base member 530. The spring members 551 and 552 correspond to an example of the holding means, and function to hold the operating member 522 at a predetermined intermediate position between one end and the other end of the displacement range (slide range). Further, the spring members 551 and 552 correspond to an example of the moving means, and have a function of urging the operating member 522 in the direction of returning to the predetermined reference position shown in FIG. Due to such a configuration, the operating member 522 is maintained at the reference position (intermediate position in the predetermined slide range) shown in FIG. 21 by the urging force of the spring members 551 and 552 when not operated from the outside. It is designed to be used.

Also in this configuration, a control circuit (not shown) similar to the control circuit 140 (FIG. 13) of the first embodiment is provided, and this control circuit is provided with a predetermined timing (for example, the “predetermined” described in the first embodiment. When the game condition is satisfied, etc.), the electromagnet 130 (generating part) is controlled to be in an excited state to generate a magnetic field, and the viscosity of the functional fluid 102 (FIG. 13) is increased. As a result, the resistance to rotation of the displacement portion 120 (rotation shaft portion 122) increases, so that when the player slides the operation member 522, the electromagnet 130 (generation portion) creates a magnetic field with respect to the functional fluid 102. Compared to the state where it is not given, that is, when it slides against the urging (resistance) of only the spring members 551 and 552, the resistance force during the slide operation increases, and the operation feeling changes (the operation member 522 slides). You can definitely feel the changes that have become difficult to do.

Detection switches 571 and 572 are provided inside the base member 530, respectively, and an operation of moving the operation member 522 to one side can be detected by the detection switch 571, and the operation member 522 is moved to the other side. The operation to move can be detected by the detection switch 572. The detection switches 571 and 572 function as detection means for detecting that the operating member 522 is in a predetermined displacement state, and can be used in various ways. For example, they are operated in the first gaming state (for example, reach state). The game method is defined so that the member 522 is moved to the detection switch 571 side, and the operation member 522 is moved to the detection switch 572 side in the second game state (for example, a jackpot state, a probability fluctuation state, etc.). For example, to determine. Further, in the present embodiment, the rack gear 524A is provided on the left half (see FIG. 21) of the lower surface portion 524 of the second member 522B, and the operating member 522 is detected by a specific one direction (detection switch 571 shown in FIG. 21). The resistance device 100 can be operated only when it is moved to the right). For example, in the first gaming state, the electromagnet 130 is excited to increase the resistance force and change the game. However, the rack gear 524A is formed on the entire lower surface portion 524 of the second member 522B, and the control circuit 140 moves (slides) the operating member 522 in any direction (for example, the first gaming state). And in any of the second gaming states), the electromagnet 130 may be excited to increase resistance.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, the sixth embodiment will be described.
The operation switch 610 of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 22 is held by the base member 630 and the base member 630 that are directly or indirectly attached to the game machine via other members, and is held by the base member 630 from the reference position with respect to the base member 630. It includes an operating member 622 arranged so as to be relatively displaceable within a predetermined range in a predetermined direction. Specifically, the base member 630 is rotatably held so that the operating member 622 can rotate about the rotation axis Z1.

The operation member 622 is configured in a lever shape, one end portion exposed to the outside from the base member 630 is used as an operation target portion, and the other end portion is rotatably attached to the base member 630. The operation member 622 has a configuration capable of rotating from the solid line position to the alternate long and short dash line position in FIG. 22. A spring member 650 that urges the operating member 622 in a predetermined rotational direction (clockwise direction shown in FIG. 22) is provided, and when the operating member 622 is not operated, the urging force of the spring member 650 is used. The operating member 622 is maintained at the reference position shown by the solid line in FIG.

At the end of the operating member 622, an arcuate gear 624A centered on the rotation axis Z1 is formed. Further, in this configuration, the same resistance device 100 as in the first embodiment is fixed to the base member 630, and the gear 640 is attached to the rotating shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100. Then, the gear 624A and the gear 640 are interlocked by a gear transmission (transmission mechanism). In this configuration, the gear 640 and the rotating shaft portion 122 rotate integrally in conjunction with the rotating operation of the operating member 622.

Also in this configuration, a control circuit (not shown) similar to the control circuit 140 (FIG. 13) of the first embodiment is provided, and this control circuit is provided with a predetermined timing (for example, the “predetermined” described in the first embodiment. When the game condition is satisfied, etc.), the electromagnet 130 (generating part) is controlled to be in an excited state to generate a magnetic field, and the viscosity of the functional fluid 102 (FIG. 13) is increased. As a result, the resistance force against the rotation of the displacement portion 120 (rotation shaft portion 122) increases, so that when the player rotates the operation member 622, the electric magnet 130 (generation portion) creates a magnetic field with respect to the functional fluid 102. Compared to the state where it is not given, that is, when the gear 624A and the gear 640 rotate against the resistance to rotate the gear transmission (transmission mechanism), the resistance force at the time of rotation increases, and the operation feeling is increased. You can definitely feel the change (the change that makes it difficult for the operating member 622 to rotate).

[7th Embodiment]
Next, the seventh embodiment will be described.
In the operation switch 710 of the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 to 25, the first embodiment is that the elevating mechanism 40 of the first embodiment is changed to the elevating mechanism 400 and the rotation interlocking mechanism 50 is changed to the rotation interlocking mechanism 500. This is the main point that differs from the form. In FIGS. 23 to 25, the parts having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and in the following description, detailed description of these similar configurations will be described. Omit.

The operation switch 710 has a transmission mechanism 714 composed of an elevating mechanism 400 and a rotation interlocking mechanism 500, and the transmission mechanism 714 functions to interlock the operation member 22 and the displacement portion 120 of the resistance device 100. Then, a moving device 712 as a moving means is configured by the transmission mechanism 714 and the motor 18, and the operating member 22 can be moved to a predetermined position. Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, detection switches 71 and 72 composed of proximity sensors and the like are attached to the cover member 32 of the base member 30 along the movement of the operation unit 20. The extension portion 24C formed on the lower surface of the peripheral edge of the button base 24 is detected by the detection switches 71 and 72 when the operation portion 20 is in the reference position (normal position) and the special position. It is designed to function as a detector.

As shown in FIG. 23, the elevating mechanism 400 includes a cam component 600, a first elevating member 42, a second elevating member 460, and a rotating arm 440. As shown in FIG. 24B, the cam component 600 is fixed to the drive shaft 18A of the motor 18 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the second elevating member 460 is positioned eccentrically with the drive shaft 18A of the motor 18. (See also FIG. 23).

The first elevating member 42 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and has a configuration that moves up and down integrally with the operation unit 20 that has the same configuration as the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24A, the second elevating member 460 has a horizontally long elongated groove portion 460A formed in cooperation with the rotating arm 440 (projection portion 440B) on the upper front side thereof, and the lower back surface thereof. An operation pin 601 of the cam component 600 is inserted on the side, and an inverted L-shaped groove 460B linked to the operation pin 601 is formed.

One end of the rotary arm 440 (the end on the side where the first gear 501 is formed) is rotatably supported on the elevating base 34 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) side as in the first embodiment. The protrusion 440A formed at the other end is inserted into the elongated hole 42A formed in the first elevating member 42 and cooperates with the first elevating member 42, and the protrusion 440B formed in the intermediate portion is the second. It is inserted into the long groove portion 460A formed in the elevating member 460 to form a structure that cooperates with the second elevating member 460.

The rotation interlocking mechanism 500 includes a first gear 501 formed at one end of the rotation arm 440 and rotating around the swing axis of the rotation arm 440, a second gear 502 that meshes with the first gear 501 and rotates, and a second gear. A third gear 503 that meshes with the two gears 502 and is connected to the rotating shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100 is provided, and all the gear groups composed of the first gear 501, the second gear 502, and the third gear 503 are interlocked. It works to rotate.

In the operation switch 710 configured in this way, when the motor 18 is driven from the state of the reference position shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the cam component 600 fixed to the drive shaft 18A rotates, and the operation pin 601 is moved. By pushing up the upper side of the horizontal groove of the L-shaped groove 460B of the second elevating member 460, the second elevating member 460 rises along a guide member (not shown), and the protrusion 440B is linked to the long groove portion 460A. The arm 440 swings up about the swing shaft, and the first elevating member 42 to which the protrusion 440A is linked rises, so that the operation unit 20 reaches the special position shown in FIGS. 25 (A) and 25 (B). To rise. When the operation unit 20 rises from the reference position to the special position, the first gear 501 formed at one end of the rotating arm 440 rotates, and in conjunction with this, the second gear 502 and the third gear 503 also move. It is designed to rotate, and the rotating shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100 connected to the third gear 503 also rotates. At the reference position, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to press to a pressing position below the reference position, and a detection switch (not shown) that detects the pressing position detects the pressing of the operation unit 20. A detection signal is output to the control circuit 140. Then, after the pressure of the operation unit 20 is detected, the motor 18 is driven after a predetermined time has elapsed or at a predetermined timing to return the operation unit 20 to the reference position. In this way, the transmission mechanism 714 can move the operating member 22 between one end (special position) and the other end (pressing position) of a predetermined range by driving the motor 18, and the predetermined intermediate position (reference position) thereof. It acts as a holding means for holding at.

At the special position shown in FIG. 25, as shown in FIG. 25 (B), the operation pin 601 is located directly above the drive shaft 18A, and even if the player tries to press the operation unit 20, it cannot be pressed unnecessarily. Become. That is, since the cam component 600 acts so as not to rotate even when a downward force is applied to the second elevating member 460, the rotating arm 44 does not rotate downward, and the operation unit 20 does not rotate. It will be locked so that it will not descend. After the locked state is set, the motor 18 is driven after a predetermined time has elapsed or at a predetermined timing to move the operation pin 601 to the vertical groove of the L-shaped groove 460B. By this operation, the above-mentioned locked state is released, so that the operation unit 20 is in a pressable state. When the electromagnet 130 of the resistance device 100 is excited in such a pressable state, the viscosity of the functional fluid 102 increases, and when the player presses the operation unit 20, the electromagnet 130 (generating unit) becomes functional. Compared to the state where no magnetic field is applied to the fluid 102, that is, when the rotation interlocking mechanism 500 is pressed against the resistance that only rotates, the resistance force at the time of pressing is increased, and the resistance (load) is higher than that at the normal time. ), So you can enhance the fun of the game. When the operation unit 20 is pressed in the pressable state, the operation unit 20 can move below the reference position shown in FIG. 24.

When the operation unit 20 is not pressed by the player when the operation unit 20 is in the special position, that is, when the operation unit 20 (extension unit 24C) is determined by the detection switch 72 to have passed the special position for a predetermined time. Drives the motor 18 so that the operation pin 601 rotates in the horizontal groove direction (counterclockwise direction shown in FIG. 25B), and the operation pin 601 presses the lower surface of the horizontal groove of the L-shaped groove 460B. By doing so, the operation unit 20 can be moved downward toward the reference position. In the present embodiment, since the resistance device 100 and the motor 18 (elevating mechanism 400) are not directly linked, the resistance device 100 can be used even in a normal state unlike the second embodiment.

[8th Embodiment]
Next, the eighth embodiment will be described.
The operation switch 810 of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 26 is different from the seventh embodiment only in that spring members 811 and 812 configured as coil springs are provided, and other than that, it has the same configuration as that of the seventh embodiment. Therefore, the parts having the same configuration as that of the seventh embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the seventh embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The operation switch 810 of the eighth embodiment also adopts the basic configuration described in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are used for the parts having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. A detailed description will be omitted. Further, the operation switch 810 of the eighth embodiment has the same basic concept of operation as that of the second embodiment.

The operation switch 810 shown in FIG. 26 is provided with spring members 811 and 812 wound around the elevating guide shafts 36A and 36B between the elevating base 34 and the button base 24. Unlike the second embodiment, the operation switch 810 has a force that the operation unit 20 tries to move downward due to gravity and a pressing force (elastic force) by the spring members 811 and 812 when the operation switch 810 is in the special position shown in FIG. ), And the operating unit 20 is maintained at a predetermined height shown in FIG. 26 (the height at which the operating member 22 is in the same special position as in the first and seventh embodiments). Further, normally, by driving the motor 18, the operation pin 601 presses the lower surface of the horizontal groove of the L-shaped groove 460B against the urging of the spring members 811 and 812 to hold the spring member at the reference position. At this time, a margin is provided in the height direction of the horizontal groove (a stroke that can be moved to the pressing position from the normal state) so that the spring members 811 and 812 can be pressed to the pressing position against the urging. Therefore, in the normal state, the operation unit 20 can be operated without driving the motor 18, as in the second embodiment.

When the operation unit 20 is displaced from the normal position (reference position) to a special position, the control circuit 140 (FIG. 13) drives the motor 18 to move the operation pin 601 from the horizontal groove of the L-shaped groove 460B to the vertical groove. (State of FIG. 24 (B) of the seventh embodiment). As a result, the second elevating member 460 is released from the regulation by the operation pin 601 and the operation unit 20 can be raised to the special position at once by the urging of the spring members 811 and 812. At this time, the operation unit 20, the first elevating member 42, the rotating arm 440, and the second elevating member 460 are in the state (special position) of FIG. 25 (B) of the seventh embodiment, but the cam component 600 is in the seventh embodiment. In the state shown in FIG. 24B of the form, the operation pin 601 is located below the vertical groove of the L-shaped groove 460B. Therefore, the player operates the operation unit 20 against the urging of the spring members 811 and 812. In the present embodiment, the ascending motion of the operating unit 20 to the reference position and the special position is performed without using the motor 18, but one end of the rotating arm 440 is connected to the rotating shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100. Since the first gear 501 interlocking with the third gear 503 is provided, even in this configuration, the rotating shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100 rotates as the operating portion 20 moves up and down regardless of the drive of the motor 18. Therefore, even when the operating member 22 is in the reference position or when the operating member 22 is in the special position, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the electromagnet 130 (FIG. 13) is used by the control circuit 140 (FIG. 13). A resistance force can be added to the operation unit 20 by controlling FIG. 13) to an excited state to generate a magnetic field.

[9th Embodiment]
Next, the ninth embodiment will be described.
The operation switch 910 of the ninth embodiment shown in FIGS. 27 to 32 includes an operation member 922 configured to enable a player to perform a predetermined artificial operation in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine 1, and the operation member 922. It includes a base member 930 that is displaceably held, a spring member 911 as a moving means that can move the operating member 922 to a predetermined position, and a transmission mechanism 950 that interlocks the operating member 922 and the resistance device 100. Specifically, the operation member 922 is an operation switch 910 that is assembled as an operation unit 920 together with the spring member 911, can be tilted in all directions, and can be pressed inward.

The base member 930 is formed in a hollow housing shape by combining the first base member 931 and the second base member 932, which are formed in the shape of a housing in which one is open, and the operating member 922 is the first base member 931. The operation unit 920 is mounted so as to operably project from the surface of the.

The operation unit 920 includes an operation unit base 941 attached to the first base member 931 and a hollow cylindrical case body 945 fixed to the operation unit base 941 inside the base member 930, and comprises the operation unit base. By assembling the 941 and the case body 945, an outer shell is formed, and a storage space portion is formed inside. The operation unit base 941 is provided with a flange portion 941a for closing the opening 933 formed on the surface of the first base member 931, and a through hole 941b through which the shaft portion 923 of the operation member 922 is inserted is provided in the center. In the operation member 922, the operation fulcrum member 924, which is the fulcrum of the operation member 922, is fixed to the tip of the shaft portion 923 via the through hole 941b of the operation unit base 941 with screws or the like, and when the operation member 922 is moved, the operation fulcrum member 924 Is also movable integrally. Further, as shown in FIG. 31, a fixed fulcrum member 942 serving as a fulcrum portion when the operation fulcrum member 924 tilts is fixedly provided on the back side of the operation unit base 941 facing the operation fulcrum member 924.

As shown in FIG. 29, in the operation fulcrum member 924, the fulcrum portion 926 of the ridge is provided around the mortar-shaped recess 925 formed on the upper surface of the conical trapezoid. As shown in FIG. 30, the fixed fulcrum member 942 includes a convex portion 943 that fits into the concave portion 925 of the operation fulcrum member 924, and a flange 944 is formed at the base end portion thereof. Then, as shown in FIG. 31, the convex portion 943 of the fixed fulcrum member 942 fits into the concave portion 925 of the operation fulcrum member 923, and the operation fulcrum member 922 is tilted in any direction as shown in FIG. 32. The fulcrum portion 926 of the 924 is located at a curved portion formed by the flange 944 and the convex portion 943, and is configured to be a fulcrum portion of the operation fulcrum member 924.

Inside the case body 945, a short cylindrical slide member 951 that houses and supports one end of the spring member 911 together with the spring member 911 is housed so as to reciprocate along the inner wall of the case body 945, as shown in FIG. , The slide member 951 is in surface contact with the operation fulcrum member 923. That is, in the normal state shown in FIG. 31, the slide member 951 pushes up the operation fulcrum member 923 by the urging of the spring member 911, and the convex portion 943 of the fixed fulcrum member 942 fits into the concave portion 925 of the operation fulcrum member 924, and the operation member 922. Is stably held at a predetermined standing position (reference position).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, an insertion hole 945a into which one end of the rod-shaped operation crank 952 is inserted is formed in the center of the bottom of the case body 945, and the operation is inserted from the outside of the case body 945. One end of the crank 952 is fitted and fixed to the receiving portion 951a of the slide member 951 via the spring member 911. The operation crank 952 is formed in the shape of a cylindrical rod, ribs along the length direction are formed on the peripheral surface so as to form a cross section, and a flat portion 952b in which the device crank 954 described later is linked is formed at substantially the center. A plate-shaped detection unit 952a for detecting the movement of the operation member 922 by the detection switch 973 is formed along the rib. The operation crank 952 is attached so that the flat portion 952b and the detection portion 952a project from the case body 945, and is integrally movable together with the slide member 951.

By assembling the operation unit base 941 and the case body 945 in this way, as shown in FIG. 28, an operation unit 920 in which the operation member 922 can be operated is constructed, and when the operation member 922 is moved, the slide member As the 951 moves against the urging of the spring member 911, the operating crank 952 protruding from the case body 945 moves forward and backward.

Further, the resistance device 100 and the transmission mechanism 950 are housed inside the second base member 932. The resistance device 100 and the transmission mechanism 950 are assembled to the unit base 960 together with the detection switch 973 that detects the advance / retreat of the operation crank 952. By attaching the unit base 960 to the bottom wall of the second base member 932, the resistance device 100 and the transmission mechanism 950 are combined with the resistance device 100. The transmission mechanism 950 is housed inside the second base member 932.

The transmission mechanism 950 is a device fixed to the slide member 951 and the operation crank 952, a device crank 954 having a fan-shaped gear 953 at the tip, and a rotating shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100, and meshes with the fan-shaped gear 953 of the device crank 954. It is composed of a gear 955 and. As shown in FIG. 27, the resistor device 100 is attached to the unit base 960 via the device base 961, and one end of the device gear 955 is pivotally supported by the device bearing 962.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, a device crank 954 and a detection switch 973 are attached to the unit base 960 via a support member 963 and a sensor cover 964, respectively. The device crank 954 is rotatably supported by a support member 963 by a support shaft 965 in a seesaw shape so that the fan-shaped gear 953 meshes with the device gear 955. Specifically, the fan-shaped gear 953 side is pivotally supported so as to be a long arm, and the flat portion 952b of the operation clamp 952 is formed on the bifurcated portion 956 formed on the short arm side facing the fan-shaped gear 953 via the support shaft 965. Is movably linked to the elongated hole of the bifurcated portion 956 by a shaft pin 966. At this time, the free end of the operation clamp 952 is inserted and held in the through hole 960a provided in the unit base 960 as shown in FIG. 31. Then, as the slide member 951 and the operation crank 952 rotate linearly due to the movement of the operation member 922, the device crank 954 rotates around the support shaft 965, and the device gear 955 that meshes with the fan-shaped gear 953 is rotated. As a result, the rotation shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100 rotates.

The operation switch 910 configured in this way can be tilted in all directions and can also be pressed against the slide member 951 in the linear motion direction. In the state where the operation member 922 is held in the predetermined standing position (reference position) shown in FIG. 31, the detection unit 952a of the operation crank 952 is in the off state in which the detection switch 973 does not detect it. Then, for example, when the player tilts the operation member 922 as shown in FIG. 32, the fulcrum portion 926 of the operation fulcrum member 924 tilts with the portion in contact with the fixed fulcrum member 942 as the fulcrum, and the operation fulcrum member The 924 presses the slide member 951 against the bias of the spring member 911, and the operation crank 952 fixed to the slide member 951 moves linearly. At this time, the detection unit 952a is detected by the detection switch 973 with the linear movement of the operation crank 952, and is turned on to detect the movement of the operation member 922.

Then, when the operation crank 952 moves linearly, the device crank 954 linked to the operation crank 952 rotates around the support shaft 965, and the device gear 955 that meshes with the fan-shaped gear 953 is rotated to rotate the resistance device 100. The shaft portion 122 is rotated. The insertion hole 945a formed in the case body 945 and the through hole 960a formed in the unit base 960 have substantially the same shape as the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the operation crank 952, and serve as a guide for the operation crank 952 to be inserted and a rib. The rotation around the longitudinal direction is regulated by the operation crank 952, so that the operation crank 952 moves linearly.

Also in this configuration, a control circuit (not shown) similar to the control circuit 140 (see FIG. 13) of the first embodiment is provided, and this control circuit is provided with a predetermined timing (for example, the “predetermined” described in the first embodiment. When the game condition is satisfied, etc.), the electromagnet 130 (generating part) is controlled to be in an excited state to generate a magnetic field, and the viscosity of the functional fluid 102 (see FIG. 13) is increased. As a result, the resistance to rotation of the displacement portion 120 (rotation shaft portion 122) increases, so that when the player operates the operation member 922, the electromagnet 130 (generation portion) applies a magnetic field to the functional fluid 102. Compared to the state where it is not given, that is, when it is operated against the urging (resistance) of only the spring member 911, the resistance force at the time of operation is increased, and the operation feeling is changed (the operation member 922 is tilted / pressed). You can definitely feel the changes that have become difficult.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the device crank is compared with the distance between the shaft support portion in which the device crank 954 is pivotally supported by the support shaft 965 and the linkage portion in which the operation crank 952 is linked to the bifurcated portion 956 by the shaft pin 966. Since the distance from the shaft branch of 954 to the fan-shaped gear 953 is set long, the fan-shaped gear 953 of the device crank 954 moves significantly compared to the linear motion distance of the operating crank 952, and the rotating shaft portion 122 of the resistance device 100 is moved. Rotate more. Therefore, when "a predetermined game condition is satisfied" or the like, the resistance of the resistance device 100 can be felt more when the operation member 922 is operated.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the operation member 922 is pressed or tilted in all directions, the slide member 951 and the operation crank 952 pushed by the operation fulcrum member 923 perform linear motion, so that the detection unit 952a moves. The detection switch 973 can be reliably turned on and off. As a result, the operation of the transmission mechanism 950 becomes constant, so that the load of the resistance device 100 can be reliably transmitted to the operating member 922.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the above description and drawings, and for example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, a pachinko machine is illustrated as an example of the game machine, but it may be applied to a game machine provided with another known operation switch such as a slot machine.

In the above-described embodiment, the displacement portion of the resistance means is illustrated as a rotating portion, but the displacement portion may be configured as a slide member in which at least a part thereof is immersed in the ferrofluid. In this case, even if the operation member and the slide member are directly connected, a transmission mechanism for interlocking the operation member and the slide member may be provided.

In the above-described embodiment, the control circuit 140 is provided inside the operation switch, but it may be provided outside.

Further, in the resistance device (resistance means), the functional fluid 102 may be an electrorheological fluid (ER fluid) whose viscosity changes when an electric field is applied. The resistance device 900 of FIG. 33 is different from the resistance device 100 of the above-described embodiment in that electrodes 902A and 902B are provided instead of the electromagnet 130 so that the potential difference between the electrodes 902A and 902B can be controlled. Other than that, it is the same as the resistance device 100. In the example of FIG. 33, the electrode pair 902 is configured by the electrodes 902A and 902B arranged so as to sandwich the accommodating region of the functional fluid 102 (electrorheological fluid) in the accommodating portion 110. Specifically, the electrode 902A is arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the functional fluid 102 over the entire outer peripheral surface of the rotary blade 124, and can come into contact with the functional fluid 102 over the entire inner wall surface of the accommodating portion 110. The electrode 902B is arranged on the. The control circuit 140 includes, for example, a voltage control circuit capable of controlling the voltage between the electrodes 902A and 902B in addition to the above-mentioned microcomputer and the like, and applies a predetermined voltage between the electrodes 902A and 902B at a predetermined timing. It is designed to do. By increasing the potential difference between the electrodes 902A and 902B, the viscosity of the functional fluid 102 increases, and the resistance force when rotating the displacement portion 120 increases. The resistor device 900 can be applied to any of the above-described embodiments, and the predetermined timing for applying the voltage may be any of the above-described embodiments. According to this configuration, a configuration capable of more reliably changing the operation feeling of the player can be realized more easily by using an electrorheological fluid, an electrode pair 902, or the like. Although FIG. 33 shows an example of the arrangement of the electrode pairs, the configuration is not limited to this configuration as long as the arrangement can change the viscosity of the electrorheological fluid.

In the first and second embodiments, the control circuit for driving the motor 18 and the control circuit for controlling the resistance device 100 are the same, but they may be provided separately.

1 ... Pachinko machine (game machine)
10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910 ... Operation switch (operation switch for game machines)
12,712 ... Moving device (moving means, holding means)
14,714,950 ... Transmission mechanism 22,322,422,522,622,922 ... Operating member 30,330,430,530,630,930 ... Base member 40,400 ... Elevating mechanism (transmission mechanism)
50,500 ... Rotation interlocking mechanism (transmission mechanism)
73,371,571,572,923 ... Detection switch (detection means)
100, 900 ... Resistor (resistor means)
102 ... Functional fluid (magnetic viscous fluid, electrorheological fluid)
110 ... Accommodating part 120 ... Displacement part 130 ... Electromagnet (generating part)
140 ... Control circuit (control means, effect control means)
202, 302, 650, 811, 812 ... Spring member (moving means)
451, 452,551,552,911 ... Spring member (moving means, holding means)
902 ... Electrode pair (generating part)

Claims (9)

It is an operation switch for the game machine that is provided so that the player can operate the game machine externally.
A base member that can be attached directly to the game machine or indirectly via another member,
An operating member held by the base member and arranged so as to be relatively displaceable within a predetermined range in a predetermined direction from a reference position with respect to the base member.
A generating part that generates an electric field or a magnetic field, a housing part that houses a functional fluid whose viscosity changes when an electric field or a magnetic field is applied, and a housing part that is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the operating member, and at least a part thereof is described above. It is provided with a displacement portion that is arranged in a state of being immersed in the functional fluid in the accommodating portion, and when the generating portion applies an electric field or a magnetic field to the functional fluid, the generating portion causes the functional fluid. A resistance means that increases the resistance force against the displacement of the operating member as compared with the case where no electric field or magnetic field is applied to the operating member.
An operation switch for a game machine, which is characterized by having. The operation switch for a game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for controlling the generation of an electric field or a magnetic field by the generating unit. It has a moving means capable of moving the operating member to a predetermined position.
The operation switch for a game machine according to claim 2, wherein the control means controls to generate an electric field or a magnetic field in the generating portion when the operating member is in the predetermined position. The operation switch for a game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a transmission mechanism for interlocking the operation member and the displacement portion of the resistance means. The functional fluid is a ferrofluid whose viscosity changes when a magnetic field is applied.
The claim is characterized in that the generating portion is an electromagnet which is configured to be switchable between an excited state and a non-excited state and generates a magnetic flux extending over the ferrofluid housed in the accommodating portion in the excited state. The operation switch for a game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The functional fluid is an electrorheological fluid whose viscosity changes when an electric field is applied.
The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the generating portion is a pair of electrodes arranged so as to sandwich the accommodating region of the electrorheological fluid in the accommodating portion. Operation switch. The operating member is held by the base member so as to be able to reciprocate within the predetermined range.
The operation for a gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a holding means for holding the operating member at a predetermined intermediate position between one end and the other end of the predetermined range. switch. A detection means for detecting that the operating member is in a predetermined displacement state, and
When the predetermined displacement state is detected by the detection means, the effect control means for performing a predetermined effect on the game machine, and
The operation switch for a game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operation switch is characterized by having. A gaming machine comprising the operation switch for the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images