JP2011019831A - Operation switch for game machine and game machine provided with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation switch for a game machine, which is capable of improving interest while securing a switch function, and to provide the game machine provided with the same. <P>SOLUTION: The operation switch 100 for the game machine includes: an operation button 11 (operation unit) for receiving a pressurizing movement operation by a player; a switch body 12 to be moved to an axis O (reference line direction) on the basis of the pressurizing movement operation to the operation button 11; a switch case body 41 (case body) fixed to a Pachinko game machine 1 (game machine) for housing the switch body 12 and also housing a photosensor 43b (movement detection means) for detecting the movement of the switch body 12 to the axis O; and a bottom lid 42. A plasma ball 21 (plasma light emitting body) provided with a discharge electrode 21b is interposed between the operation button 11 and the switch body 12, and discharge light L by the plasma ball 21 is visually recognized through the operation button 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine operation switch and a gaming machine including the gaming machine operation switch.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in various gaming machines including a ball and ball game machine such as a pachinko machine and an alepachi machine, and a revolving type game machine such as a slot machine and a pachislot machine, a liquid crystal display unit (variable display means) or a machine frame ( Display effects using lamps, LEDs, etc. provided on the base frame), or sound effects such as sound effects / synthetic sounds using speakers (sound / sound output means) provided on the machine frame (base frame) The device is designed to increase the interest of the player and prevent the game from becoming monotonous. Furthermore, in recent years, in addition to these presentation functions provided unilaterally from the gaming machine side (that is, the gaming store side) to the player side, for example, selecting or changing the presentation display pattern based on the player's operation Some players have a player-participating production function so that the game environment can be changed. One type of such a player participation type effect function includes a so-called push button type operation switch that allows a player to perform a push movement operation (push operation) in a reference line direction. According to this, for example, the display content can be determined or executed by the player pressing and operating the operation switch in accordance with navigation display (notification display) on the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit ( Non-patent documents 1 and 2).

  In addition, as described in Patent Document 1 below, for example, a throttle machine in which a plurality of plasma tubes are arranged at the upper part of the front panel is also known. In this throttle machine, when the player sits in front of the throttle machine, when the probability that it is determined to be a prize increases, or when a bonus role is won or when it reaches a reach state, the plasma tube is made to emit light, Alternatively, by changing the light emission mode by changing the applied voltage, the player's expectation for the game is enhanced and the player is interested.

Supervised by the Japan Patent Office “2006 Standard Technology Collection Amusement Machines and Related Technologies” “Part 1: Pachinko 4-3-5-1 Input Device” (published on the JPO homepage on March 14, 2007) Supervised by the Japan Patent Office “2006 Standard Technology Collection Pachislot Machines and Related Technologies” “Part 2 Pachislot 2-3-4-3 Player Participation Type” (same as above)

JP 2004-167098 A

  By the way, in the operation switches for gaming machines described above, there has been a demand for the certainty / improvement of the switch operation, but in recent years, the operation effects can be improved by enhancing the visual effect. Product development has become desirable.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an operation switch for a gaming machine that can improve interest while ensuring a switching function, and a gaming machine including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the gaming machine operation switch according to the present invention is a gaming machine operation switch that is attached to a gaming machine and can be pressed and moved in accordance with a gaming state including a standby state in the gaming machine. An operation unit that receives a pressing movement operation by a player, a switch body that moves in a reference line direction based on a pressing movement operation to the operation unit, and a switch body that is fixed to the gaming machine and houses the switch body. A case body that accommodates a movement detection means for detecting movement in the reference line direction, and a plasma luminous body having a discharge electrode is interposed between the operation unit and the switch body, It is characterized in that the discharge light by the plasma luminous body is visible through the operation unit. Here, the plasma illuminant is generally known by a name such as a plasma ball, a plasma panel, a plasma plate, or a rumin glass.

  In this gaming machine operation switch, a plasma luminous body is interposed between the operation unit and the switch body, while a movement detection means for detecting movement of the switch body in the reference line direction is housed in the switch case. Yes. For this reason, even if a plasma luminous body as a structural member related to the effect is interposed between the operation unit and the switch body, the movement of the switch body is almost certainly detected by the movement detection means. The function can be secured satisfactorily. Further, the discharge light of the plasma luminous body interposed between the operation unit and the switch body can be visually recognized through the operation unit. For this reason, the visual presentation effect can be enhanced in the gaming machine operation switch itself, and the interest can be improved.

As the movement detecting means, the following displacement sensor can be used.
(1) Non-contact sensor: Photo sensor, laser sensor, proximity switch, linear encoder, etc.
(2) Contact sensor: microswitch or the like.

  In carrying out the present invention, the plasma luminous body is formed in a spherical shape and is sandwiched between a first holding body provided integrally with the operation portion and a second holding body provided integrally with the switch body. It is good that the structure is fixed.

  A high frequency voltage of, for example, 2000 volts or more is applied to the discharge electrode of the plasma luminous body. For this reason, it is essential to ensure the safety of the operation switch in which the plasma luminous body is incorporated. Therefore, when the plasma luminous body is formed in a spherical shape (when the plasma luminous body is a plasma ball, for example), the plasma luminous body includes a first holding body provided integrally with the operation unit, a switch The plasma luminous body can be held in a stable state in the operation switch by being sandwiched and fixed by the second holding body provided integrally with the main body, and the plasma luminous body is incorporated. The safety of the operation switch can be ensured satisfactorily.

  The plasma luminous body includes a transparent glass container, and a protective cover having a translucency and covering at least the surface of the glass container at a portion sandwiched between the first holding body and the second holding body. The first holding body is formed with an opening for allowing the plasma luminous body to face the operating portion, and the operating section is held in contact with the plasma luminous body through the opening of the first holding body. The plasma emitter may be fixed by the first holder, the second holder, and the holder.

  In addition to the first holding body and the second holding body, the stability of the plasma luminous body in the operation switch can be further improved by adopting a configuration in which the plasma luminous body is further fixed by the operation unit. In this case, for example, the operation portion is formed of a resin material having translucency and conductivity, and the portion of the glass container corresponding to the holding portion is a protective cover so that the holding portion contacts the glass container of the plasma emitter. If the configuration is not covered by the plasma, the discharge light of the plasma emitter will be collected at the part of the operation part touched by the player, compared with the case where the operation part is not conductive. The change of the lightning mode at the time of operation of the part becomes remarkable. For this reason, it is possible to give a sense of satisfaction to the player that the operation switch has been operated.

  The first holding body is formed of a light-transmitting resin material, and an annular light emitting substrate on which a decorative light emitting body for irradiating visible light to the outside of the operation unit through the first holding body is mounted. However, it may be configured to be sandwiched and fixed between the first holding member and the second holding member in a state of surrounding the plasma luminous body.

  According to this, even if the operation switch is not made larger than necessary, the light emitting substrate can be installed by effectively utilizing the space in which the first holding body and the second holding body are disposed. In addition, for example, if the setting is made so that the plasma luminous body emits discharge light from the state where only the decorative luminous body emits light, the impact on the player can be increased, and the expectation for the game is increased. A feeling can also be improved.

  The movement detection means may be mounted on a wiring board housed in the case body, and the light emitting board may be connected to the control unit using the wiring board as a relay board.

  According to this, since the movement detection means is disposed in the fixed switch case, it is possible to favorably avoid erroneous detection of the movement detection means. Further, by arranging the light emitting board and the wiring board separately, each board can be accommodated in the operation switch without making the operation switch larger than necessary.

  In this case, it is preferable that the plasma luminous body is discharged according to the movement detection of the switch body by the movement detection means.

  According to this, normally, it is not necessary to apply a high voltage to the plasma luminous body, and durability is improved. Moreover, if it is set as a discharge state by the movement detection of the switch main body by a movement detection means, since the lightning aspect changes with the way of the touch at the moment of pressing operation part, a player's interest can be improved further.

  Further, the case body or the member integrally fixed thereto has a wiring housing portion for housing the bending generated in the wiring connecting the light emitting board and the wiring board as the switch body moves in the reference line direction. May be formed.

  In this way, the wiring flexure (extension / contraction) caused by the movement of the switch body in the reference line direction can be absorbed by the wiring housing portion formed inside the case body, so that the outside of the case body is bypassed and bridged. Even in this case, wiring connection can be made between both substrates. Therefore, even in a severe usage mode in which the operation unit is continuously struck, the wiring is less likely to be damaged by being intertwined with each other or being caught by another object. An example of the member integrally fixed to the case body is a lid body for closing the case body.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a gaming machine of the present invention is characterized by including the above-described gaming machine operation switch.

  According to this, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of displaying various effects using the operation switch by mounting the above-described gaming machine operation switch on the gaming machine.

  Note that the gaming machine of the present invention includes (1) a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, (2) a revolving game machine such as a slot machine or a pachislot machine, (3) a poker game machine, a sparrow ball game machine, etc. Various game machines, etc. are included.

The perspective view which illustrates the pachinko machine provided with the operation switch for game machines concerning the present invention. 1 is an overall perspective view showing an example of an operation switch for gaming machines according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The top view of the operation switch for game machines of FIG. The perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the upper unit of the operation switch for game machines of FIG. 2, and was seen from diagonally upward. The whole upper unit perspective view of the operation switch for game machines of FIG. 2, and the perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the lower unit and was seen from diagonally upward. AA sectional drawing of FIG. BB sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the plasma ball is discharged by a pressing movement operation of an operation switch for a gaming machine corresponding to FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view corresponding to FIG. 7 and showing a state in which the plasma ball is discharged by a pressing movement operation of the gaming machine operation switch. Sectional drawing of the operation switch for game machines which concerns on the modification 2. FIG. The top view of the operation switch for game machines which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. The perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the upper and lower unit of the operation switch for game machines of FIG. 11, and was seen from diagonally upward. CC sectional drawing of FIG. DD sectional drawing of FIG. EE sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram corresponding to FIG. 15 and showing a state in which the gaming machine operation switch is pressed and moved (a state in which the plasma panel is discharged).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a pachinko machine 1 (game machine) provided with an operation switch (hereinafter also simply referred to as an operation switch) 100 for a gaming machine according to the present invention. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a game board 2, and a game area 2 a is formed on the front side (side facing the player). A liquid crystal display unit 3 is mounted almost at the center of the game board 2 (game area 2a), and a role such as a start opening composed of a big prize opening (attacker) and an electric tulip (electric Chu) is provided in the vicinity thereof. Objects, obstacle nails, windmills, etc. (none of which are shown) are arranged.

  The game board 2 is fixed to the inner frame 4, and the inner frame 4 is supported by a hinge 5a so as to be capable of rotating and opening with respect to the outer frame 5. The game board 2 is covered with a glass plate located on the front side (player side), the glass plate is fixed to the front frame 6 (glass frame), and the front frame 6 is hinged (not shown) to the inner frame 4. Is supported so as to be capable of rotating and opening. Further, at the lower part of the front frame 6, a ball tray 7 for storing a game ball for launching is extended in the left-right direction so as to bulge forward, and at the lower right side of the front frame 6 A launching handle 8 for launching the game ball supplied from the ball receiving tray 7 to the game area 2a is disposed so as to protrude forward.

  In the liquid crystal display unit 3, whether the pachinko machine 1 is in a gaming state (a state in which a game ball is being launched into the gaming area 2 a by the launching handle 8) or a standby state (a state in which no gaming ball is being launched) Regardless, various effects can be displayed. Then, at the center front end portion of the ball tray 7, for example, when a player operates according to navigation display (notification display) on the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 3, a specific display pattern (mode) is selected from among a plurality of effect display patterns (modes). An operation switch 100 that can determine and execute a pattern is provided. The operation switch 100 has a center axis O (reference line) in the vertical direction, and is configured as a so-called push button type in which a player can perform a pressing movement operation (push operation) in the direction of the center axis O.

  In the present specification, the vertical direction means the direction (for example, the vertical direction) in which the game ball flows down along the board surface of the game board 2. Further, the left-right direction means a direction (for example, a horizontal direction) intersecting with the up-down direction in a form along the board surface of the game board 2, and means the left side and the right side when viewed from the player side. Further, the front-rear direction means a direction intersecting (for example, orthogonal) with the game board 2, the side (front side) facing the player is the front side (front side), and the opposite side (back side) is It is the rear side (rear side).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the operation switch 100 has an upper unit 10 that can move in the direction of the central axis O (vertical direction) as a whole, and an upward elastic force (biasing force) with respect to the upper unit 10. And a lower unit 40 that houses the upper unit 10 and the compression coil spring 30 and is fixed to the ball tray 7 (see FIG. 1). .

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the upper unit 10 includes, as main components, an operation button 11 (operation unit) that can move in the direction of the central axis O, a switch body 12, a plasma ball 21 (a plasma tube, a plasma light emitter). ), An upper holding member 22 (first holding body), a lower holding member 23 (second holding body), and the light emitting substrate 13. The plasma ball 21, the upper holding member 22, the lower holding member 23, and the light emitting substrate 13 are interposed between the operation button 11 (operation unit) and the switch body 12.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the lower unit 40 includes, as main components, a switch case main body 41 (case body), a bottom lid 42 (lid body), and a relay board 43 that cannot move in the direction of the central axis O. (Wiring board) is provided integrally. The compression coil spring 30 is interposed between the upper unit 10 and the lower unit 40, that is, between the bottom wall of the switch body 12 and the bottom wall of the switch case body 41, and downward along the central axis O. It functions as a return spring for pushing back the pressed upper unit 10 upward.

  The operation button 11 has a dome shape (circular shape) that opens downward, and is made of a light-transmitting resin material such as polycarbonate (PC). On the lower surface of the operation button 11, a concave upper receiving portion 11a (holding portion) that comes into surface contact with the plasma ball 21 is formed (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  The switch body 12 has a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward, and a screw insertion portion 12a1 through which a plurality of (for example, three) screws 51 are inserted in the vertical direction is provided on the radially outer portion of the upper surface of the bottom wall 12a. It forms in the form which continues to the side wall 12b (refer FIG. 4). An annular spring receiving portion 12a2 that accommodates the upper end portion of the compression coil spring 30 is formed at the center portion of the bottom surface of the bottom wall 12a, and a single moving protrusion 12a3 (moving detected portion) that extends downward is formed. ) Is formed (see FIG. 5). The moving protrusion 12a3 functions as a part whose movement is detected by the photosensor 43a (see FIGS. 5 and 6). A plurality of (for example, two) slide claws 12b1 that extend further downward than the bottom wall 12a are formed on the side wall 12b of the switch body 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the plasma ball 21 is a well-known one in which a discharge electrode 21b is disposed at the center of a spherical transparent glass container 21a. A rare gas (for example, xenon, argon, etc.) of about 1 / min is enclosed. The discharge electrode 21b is connected to a power supply unit 300 (see FIG. 1) that generates a high-frequency high voltage (for example, 2000 volts) via the wiring W1. When a high-frequency high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 21b, the discharge light is emitted radially and lightning from the discharge electrode 21b, and it is possible to give the viewer an interest such as illusion and mystery.

  The glass container 21a is formed in a double structure in which almost the entire surface is covered with a protective cover 21c made of a translucent resin material such as polycarbonate (PC). The protective cover 21c is formed with a flange portion 21c1 projecting in an annular shape radially outward along the circumference intersecting the horizontal plane, and with a wiring insertion hole 21c2 for discharging the wiring W1 to the outside. ing.

  The upper holding member 22 has a double cylindrical shape, and is integrally formed by an intermediate wall 22c having a substantially tapered shape (concave shape having a very small curvature) in which the lower end peripheral portion of the inner wall 22a and the upper end peripheral portion of the outer wall 22b open upward. It is connected. An engaging edge portion 22a1 that protrudes in an annular shape radially inward and engages with the flange portion 21c1 of the protective cover 21c of the plasma ball 21 is formed at the upper peripheral edge of the inner wall 22a. An inner peripheral portion of the engagement edge 22a1 is an opening 22a2 that makes the plasma ball 21 face the upper receiving portion 11a of the operation button 11.

  The outer wall 22b has a function of holding the inner wall 22a and the intermediate wall 22c. On the outer surface of the inner wall 22a and the upper surface of the intermediate wall 22c, concave and convex portions (diffusion portions) each having a triangular cross section are formed over the entire circumference. Thereby, the light from the decorative LED 13a of the light-emitting substrate 13 is diffused in various directions by passing through the uneven portions. A screw mounting portion 22c1 that is screw-coupled to each of a plurality of (for example, three) screws 52 is formed on the radially outer side portion of the lower surface of the intermediate wall 22c so as to be continuous with the outer wall 22b.

  The lower holding member 23 has a double cylindrical shape, and a lower end peripheral portion of the inner wall 23a and an upper end peripheral portion of the outer wall 23b are integrally connected by a bottom wall 23c. On the inner side of the inner wall 23a, a concave bottom receiving portion 23a1 that is in surface contact with the plasma ball 21 is formed. The outer wall 23b has a function of holding the inner wall 23a and the bottom wall 23c, and its upper end extends slightly above the upper surface of the bottom wall 23c, and its annular extension portion mounts the light emitting substrate 13 thereon. It functions as a mounting portion 23b1 for mounting.

  A screw insertion portion 23c1 is formed on the outer side in the radial direction of the bottom wall 23c. The screw insertion portion 23c1 allows the screw 52 to be inserted in the vertical direction corresponding to each screw mounting portion 22c1 of the upper holding member 22. On the upper surface of the bottom wall 23c, there is formed an arcuate placement portion 23c2 projecting so as to be the same height as the placement portion 23b1. Further, on the bottom surface of the bottom wall 23c, screw mounting portions (not shown) are formed corresponding to the screw insertion portions 12a1 of the switch body 12.

  The light emitting substrate 13 has an annular shape, and a plurality of (for example, eight) decorative LEDs 13a (decoration) for irradiating visible light of various emission colors to the outside through the upper holding member 22 and the operation buttons 11 on the plate surface. Light-emitting body) is mounted. A plurality of (for example, three) anti-rotation notches 13 b for preventing rotation around the central axis O of the light emitting substrate 13 are formed on the outer peripheral edge of the light emitting substrate 13. The light emitting substrate 13 is placed on the mounting portion 23b1 of the lower holding member 23 in a state in which the rotation about the central axis O is prevented by the engagement between the rotation stoppers 13b and the screw mounting portions 22c1 of the upper holding member 22. 23c2 and the lower end of the outer wall 22b of the upper holding member 22 are sandwiched and fixed.

  With this configuration, in the upper unit 10, the lower holding member 23 is connected by screw connection between the screw 51 inserted into the screw insertion portion 12 a 1 upward from the lower side of the switch body 12 and the screw mounting portion of the lower holding member 23. Is fixed to the switch body 12 while being seated on the upper end of the side wall 12b of the switch body 12. Further, the upper holding member 22 is lowered via the light emitting substrate 13 by screw coupling between the screw 52 inserted into the screw insertion portion 23c1 upward from the lower side of the lower holding member 23 and the screw mounting portion 22c1 of the upper holding member 22. It is fixed to the holding member 23. The operation button 11 is fixed to the upper end of the outer wall 22b of the upper holding member 22 by, for example, adhesion.

  The plasma ball 21 is held by the lower receiving portion 23a1 of the lower holding member 23, and further, by the engagement between the engaging edge portion 22a1 of the upper holding member 22 and the flange portion 21c1 of the protective cover 21c, the operation button 11 is further operated. The upper receiving portion 11a is sandwiched and fixed vertically.

  The switch case body 41 of the lower unit 40 has a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, and accommodates the upper unit 10 and the compression coil spring 30 except for the operation buttons 11 inside. ing. An annular spring receiving portion 41a1 that accommodates the lower end portion of the compression coil spring 30 is formed at the central portion of the upper surface of the bottom wall 41a. On the lower surface of the bottom wall 41a, a projecting piece hole 41a2 is formed for inserting the moving projecting piece 12a3 of the switch body 12 in the vertical direction.

  The side wall 41b of the switch case body 41 extends further downward from the bottom wall 41a, and a plurality of (for example, two) fixing claws 41b1 protruding outward in the radial direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the extended portion. (See FIG. 6). A plurality of (for example, two) slide grooves 41b2 (guide recesses) are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the extension portion so as to extend in the vertical direction. When the slide claw 12b1 of the switch body 12 moves along the slide groove 41b2 of the switch case body 41, the operation button 11 and the switch body 12 move up and down.

  A plurality of (for example, two) fixed frames 42 a are formed upright on the peripheral edge of the bottom cover 42 of the lower unit 40. The bottom cover 42 is fixed to the lower side of the switch case body 41 by fitting the fixing frame 42 a of the bottom cover 42 to the fixing claw 41 b 1 of the switch case body 41.

  The relay board 43 has a pseudo-rectangular shape, and is sandwiched and fixed horizontally between the bottom wall 41 a of the switch case body 41 and the bottom cover 42. The relay board 43 is connected to the control board 200 provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 by the wiring W2 (see FIG. 7), and is connected to the light emitting board 13 by the wiring W3. Relaying of electrical signals (lighting / flashing signals) to / from 13 is relayed. In this case, even when the upper unit 10 moves up and down with respect to the lower unit 40, each component of the upper unit 10 and the lower unit 40 has a receiving portion for the wiring W3 so that the decorative LED 13a functions reliably. Is provided.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the wiring W <b> 3 connected to the connector 13 c (see FIG. 7) of the light emitting substrate 13 is the wiring insertion hole 23 c <b> 3 of the lower holding member 23 and the wiring of the switch body 12. Via the wiring insertion portion 12a4 and the wiring cutout 41a3 of the switch case body 41, the wiring board is connected from the lower surface side of the relay board 43 to the connector C on the upper surface side of the relay board 43 through the wiring insertion hole 43b. . The bottom lid 42 is formed with a bulging portion 42b that bulges downward (outside) in a hemispherical shape to accommodate the bending of the wiring W3 that occurs when the operation button 11 is pressed.

  With such a configuration, since the wiring W3 can be moved and deformed relatively freely in the operation switch 100, even when the operation button 11 is repeatedly pressed, disconnection, damage, and the like of the wiring W3 are well prevented.

  The wiring W1 connected to the discharge electrode 21b of the plasma ball 21 passes through the wiring insertion hole 21c2 of the protective cover 21c and the inside of the light emitting substrate 13, passes through the wiring insertion portion 12a4 of the switch body 12, and the switch case body 41. It is discharged to the outside of the operation switch 100 through the wiring cutout 41a3. Thereby, similarly to the wiring W3, even if the operation button 11 is repeatedly pressed, the disconnection, damage, and the like can be satisfactorily prevented. The wiring W1 may be connected to the relay substrate 43.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a photo sensor 43 a (movement detection means) is mounted (standing and fixed) on the relay substrate 43. The photo sensor 43 a detects the movement of the upper unit 10 based on the pressing movement operation to the operation button 11 by optically detecting the moving protrusion 12 a 3 of the switch body 12. Note that the moving protrusion 12a3 of the switch body 12 extends toward the photosensor 43a through the protrusion hole 41a2 of the switch case body 41 and the inside of the compression coil spring 30.

  The control board 200 (control unit) is assigned a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is an arithmetic device, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that is a read-only storage device that stores various programs and determination tables, a work area, various counters, and the like. The read / write storage device is a RAM (Random Access Memory), the input / output interface is an I / O (Input / Output), and the like. When the operation button 11 of the operation switch 100 is not pressed, the control board 200 turns on and blinks the decorative LED 13a based on a predetermined light emission pattern and maintains the plasma ball 21 in a non-discharged state.

  On the other hand, when the operation button 11 is pressed, the control board 200 turns off the decoration LED 13a so as to shift from the state in which the decoration LED 13a emits light to the state in which the plasma ball 21 emits the discharge light L. At substantially the same time, a high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 23b to bring the plasma ball 21 into a discharge state. Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the discharge light L jumps out in a radial and lightning pattern in the plasma ball 21.

  As is clear from the above description, in the first embodiment, when the operation button 11 is operated, the discharge light L of the plasma ball 21 interposed between the operation button 11 and the switch body 12 is visually recognized through the operation button 11. Therefore, the visual effect of the operation switch 100 itself can be enhanced, and various effects can be displayed on the pachinko machine 1.

  In the first embodiment, the plasma ball 21 is sandwiched between the upper holding member 22 fixed to the operation button 11 and the lower holding member 23 fixed to the switch body 12. Thereby, the plasma ball 100 can be held in a stable state in the operation switch 100, and the safety of the operation switch 100 in which the plasma ball 100 is incorporated can be ensured satisfactorily.

  In particular, in the first embodiment, the plasma ball 21 is fixed by the upper receiving portion 11a of the operation button 11 in addition to the engaging edge portion 22a1 of the upper holding member 22 and the lower receiving portion 23a1 of the lower holding member 23. It is configured. Thereby, the stability of the plasma ball 21 in the operation switch 100 can be further improved.

  Further, the upper holding member 22 is formed of a translucent resin material, and the light emitting substrate 13 is sandwiched and fixed between the upper holding member 22 and the lower holding member 23. Thereby, even if the operation switch 100 is not enlarged more than necessary, the light emitting substrate 13 can be installed by effectively utilizing a small space between the upper holding member 22 and the lower holding member 23. Further, since the plasma ball 21 is set so as to shift from the state where only the decoration LED 13a is lit / flashing to the state where the plasma ball 21 emits the discharge light L after the light is turned off, the impact on the player can be increased. It can also improve the sense of expectation for the game.

  Further, the light emitting substrate 13 is connected to the control substrate 200 via the relay substrate 43, and the plasma ball 21 is controlled to be discharged by the control substrate 20 in response to the detection of the moving protrusion 12a3 by the photosensor 43a, so that the decoration LED 13a Is configured to control light emission. As described above, since the light emitting substrate 13 and the relay substrate 43 are separately disposed, the operation switch 100 does not need to be enlarged more than necessary. In addition, since the plasma ball 21 is discharge-controlled by the control substrate 20, it is not necessary to apply a high voltage to the plasma ball 21 at normal times, and durability is improved. At this time, since the lightning mode differs depending on the touching method at the moment when the operation button 11 is pressed, the player's interest can be further improved.

(Modification 1)
In the first embodiment, the operation button 11 and the protective cover 21c of the plasma ball 21 are formed of a light-transmitting resin material. Further, it may be formed of a resin material having conductivity. Since the other specific configuration of the operation switch 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  According to the first modification, the discharge light L of the plasma ball 21 is touched by the player because the weak current flows from the plasma ball 21 to the surface of the body via the player's hand. Compared with the case where the operation button 11 and the protective cover 21c of the plasma ball 21 are not conductive, the change of the lightning mode when the operation button 11 is operated becomes conspicuous. . Thereby, the satisfaction that the operation switch 100 was operated can be given to the player.

(Modification 2)
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the protective cover 21 c does not cover the entire surface of the plasma ball 21, but at least a portion that engages with the engaging edge 22 a 1 of the upper holding member 22, and the lower receiving portion of the lower holding member 23. 23a1 is a form that covers a portion that contacts with the contact 23a1 (in FIG. 10, a concave shape covering the lower hemisphere of the glass container 21a is illustrated), and the upper receiving part 11a of the operation button 11 is the glass container 21a of the plasma ball 21 You may make it contact directly. Since the other specific configuration of the operation switch 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same members and the same function as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  Also in the second modification, the plasma ball 21 is fixed by the engagement edge portion 22a1 of the upper holding member 22, the lower receiving portion 23a1 of the lower holding member 23, and the upper receiving portion 11a of the operation button 11. 21 stability is ensured. Furthermore, according to the second modification, as compared with the first modification, the change in the light emitting mode of the plasma ball 21 when the operation button 11 is operated can be made more remarkable. Further, since the glass container 21a on the operation button 11 side is not covered with the protective cover 21c, the visibility of the discharge light L that has passed through the operation button 11 can be further improved.

  In addition, in the said Example 1 and each modification, although the operation button 11 and the upper holding member 22 were comprised separately, you may comprise the operation button 11 and the upper holding member 22 integrally. Similarly, the switch body 12 and the lower holding member 23 may be integrally formed.

  In the first embodiment and each modified example, the plasma ball 21 is used as the plasma light emitter. Instead, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 16, for example, the plasma panel 24 (plasma plate, lumine) is used as the plasma light emitter. Glass) may be used. In the following description, only parts different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and members and parts that perform the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. .

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the plasma panel 24 includes a panel portion 24a on a circular plate and a container 24b that houses a panel portion 24a in the upper portion and a power supply substrate and the like in the lower portion. belongs to. Also in the plasma panel 24, like the plasma ball 21, the discharge light L is emitted radially and lightning from the discharge electrode 24 a 1. However, even if a voltage as high as that of the plasma ball 21 (for example, 2000 volts) is not applied, the discharge light L is generated by applying a voltage of about 1000 volts, for example.

  Compared with the case where the plasma ball 21 is incorporated into the operation switch 100 as in the first embodiment, the plasma panel 24 is easier to incorporate into the operation switch 100 than in the case of the second embodiment. The member 23 is omitted. That is, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, on the upper surface of the bottom wall 12 a of the switch body 12, a rectangular frame-shaped mounting portion 12 a 5 for mounting the lower portion of the container 24 b of the plasma panel 24 is formed. The upper part of the container 24b is placed on the upper end of the side wall 12b of the switch body 12 while the lower part of the container 24b is placed on the placement part 12a5.

  Then, with the plasma panel 24 placed in the switch body 12, a plurality of (for example, two) fixing frames 11 c on the peripheral edge of the operation button 11 are fitted into the fixing claws 12 b 2 on the side wall 12 b of the switch body 12. As a result, the plasma panel 24 is integrally incorporated between the operation button 11 and the switch body 12.

  In Example 2, the light emitting substrate 13 is also omitted. However, for example, the light emitting substrate 13 may be placed on the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the panel portion 24 a of the plasma panel 24.

  In the second embodiment, when the operation button 11 is operated, the discharge light L of the plasma panel 24 interposed between the operation button 11 and the switch body 12 can be visually recognized through the operation button 11, so that the operation switch 100 itself visually The production effect can be enhanced, and various production displays can be performed on the pachinko machine 1 (see FIGS. 11 and 16).

  In addition, in the said Example etc., the fixing method of each structural member which comprises the upper unit 10 can be changed suitably.

  Moreover, in the said Example etc., although the case where the operation switch 100 was attached to the ball tray 7 of the pachinko machine 1 was demonstrated, you may attach to another site | part. At that time, the central axis O direction may be set to other than the vertical direction. In addition to the pachinko machine 1, it may be attached to another ball game machine such as an alepachi machine or a revolving type game machine such as a slot machine or a pachislot machine.

1 Pachinko machine (game machine)
10 Upper unit 11 Operation button (operation unit)
11a Upper receiving part (holding part)
12 Switch body 12a3 Moving protrusion 12a5 Placement portion 13 Light emitting substrate 13a LED for decoration (light emitting body for decoration)
21 Plasma ball (plasma luminous body)
21a Glass container 21b Discharge electrode 21c Protective cover 21c1 Flange 22 Upper holding member (first holding body)
22a1 engagement edge 22a2 opening 23 lower holding member (second holding body)
23a1 Lower receiving portion 23b1 Placement portion 24 Plasma panel (plasma light emitter)
24a Panel portion 24a1 Discharge electrode 24b Container 30 Compression coil spring 40 Lower unit 41 Switch case body (case body)
42 Bottom cover 43 Relay board (wiring board)
43a Photosensor (movement detection means)
51, 52 screw 100 operation switch (operation switch for gaming machine)
200 Control board (control unit)
300 Power supply unit O Central axis W1-W3 Wiring

Claims (7)

A gaming machine operation switch mounted on a gaming machine and capable of pressing and moving in accordance with a gaming state including a standby state in the gaming machine,
An operation unit that receives a pressing movement operation by a player;
A switch body that moves in a reference line direction based on a pressing movement operation to the operation unit;
A case body that is fixed to the gaming machine and that houses the switch body, and that houses movement detection means for detecting movement of the switch body in the reference line direction,
A plasma illuminator having a discharge electrode is interposed between the operation unit and the switch body, and the discharge light from the plasma illuminant is configured to be visible through the operation unit. An operation switch for gaming machines.   The plasma luminous body is formed in a spherical shape, and is sandwiched and fixed between a first holding body provided integrally with the operation portion and a second holding body provided integrally with the switch body. The operation switch for gaming machines according to claim 1.   The plasma luminous body includes a transparent glass container, and a protective cover having a translucency and covering at least the surface of the glass container at a portion sandwiched between the first holding body and the second holding body. The first holding body is formed with an opening for allowing the plasma luminous body to face the operating portion, and the operating portion is passed through the opening of the first holding body. 3. A game machine operation according to claim 2, wherein a holding portion that contacts the plasma light emitter is formed, and the plasma light emitter is fixed by the first holder, the second holder, and the operation portion. switch.   The first holding body is formed of a translucent resin material, and an annular light emitting substrate on which a decorative light emitting body for irradiating visible light to the outside of the operation portion is mounted through the first holding body. 4. The gaming machine operation switch according to claim 2, wherein the switch is sandwiched and fixed between the first holding body and the second holding body in a state of surrounding the plasma luminous body.   The gaming machine operation switch according to claim 4, wherein the movement detection unit is mounted on a wiring board housed in the case body, and the light emitting board is connected to a control unit using the wiring board as a relay board.   The operation switch for gaming machines according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plasma luminous body is discharged in response to detection of movement of the switch body by the movement detection means.   A gaming machine comprising the gaming machine operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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