Display device for game machines

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application 2005-173413 filed on Jun. 14, 2005, upon which priority is claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a display device for game machines, which installed into the game machines including pachinko machines and slot machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game machines disclosed in the reference documents 1 and 2 (FIG. 5 to FIG. 7) have a plurality of display devices which are fitted as an unit as the same as the present invention. In this case, as a matter of convenience, electronic display with flat or curved surface, sot machine with mechanical rotating drum, electronic or mechanical display device with rotating plate, electronic or mechanical display device with bar shape or the like are called “indication means”.

Therefore, since the plurality of indication means to appeal to the sight of the players for playing the game connect integrally around the movable display body, it makes the movable display body to rotate at the predetermined degrees (90 degrees, for example) by drive force of the drive motor so that it makes to change from the first indication means to the second indication means or from the second indication means to the third indication means as a merit.

Accordingly, the movable display body disclosed in the reference documents is arranged rotatably the display surface of each indication means at the back of the base plate so as to appear selectively through the opening of the base plate of the front member (it means a game frame) of the pachinko machine, for example.

And now, FIG. 26 is a schematic explanation view pointing out the controversial points (the possibility for rotating the movable display body 1) of the prior art. The movable display body 1 of the prior art needs to attach each display surface 2a, 3a and 4a of the first indication means 2, second indication means 3, third indication means 4 through a required space 6 against a glass plate 5a of the front member 5 of the game machines.

When there is no enough required space 6 between the fixed shaft 7 (center shaft which does not change its position) and glass plate 5a which are provided at the center portion of the movable display body; and the movable display body 1 is arranged at the back portion of the front member 5 as shown in FIG. 26, the movable display body 1 rotates clockwise at the supporting point of the fixed shaft 7 as shown in the phantom arrow 8 so that the edge of the first indication means 2 hits or contact the glass plate 5a.

Therefore, in order to solve the problem, when the fixed shaft 7 of the movable display body 1 is held off the glass plate 5a, each display surface 2a, 3a, 4a of the movable display body 1 gets away from the glass plate 5a remarkably.

For this problem, it appears prominently in the case that one of the indication means 2, 3, 4 dose not have the measure (width or thickness) corresponding to the radius of the movable display body 1. It means that the movable display body 1 rotates centering on the fixed shaft 7.

So at present it has high hopes of appearance of the display device for game machines that the edge of the chassis does not hit or contact the glass plate although the movable display body with single or plural square-shaped display surfaces of the indication means (LC screen, rectangle or belt-shaped wide display or the like, for example) rotates, and the display surface of the indication means does not get away from the glass plate remarkably before and after it changes.

In addition, it has high hopes of appearance of the display device for game machines that can realize many indication mode with the main parts which are described in the above-mentioned display device.

Reference document 1: Japanese published unexamined application No. 2004-188159; and

Reference document 2: Japanese published unexamined application No. 2004-290221.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(a) It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device for the game machine which can realize many indication mode.

(b) It is another object of the present invention to provide a display device for game machines that can achieve the main purpose of the present invention by easy and rational mechanism.

(c) It is still another object of the present invention to provide a display device for game machines which can be arranged the belt-shaped movable display body at a space between the backside of the base plate of the front member of the game machines and the belt-shaped movable display body.

(d) It is further object of the present invention to provide a display device for game machines that does not get away each display surface of the indication means from the belt-shaped movable display body although the movable display body rotates (display surfaces are switched alternatively).

The display device for game machines includes the fixed member; the movable display body which is provided rotatably at the fixed member, capable of switching a plurality of display surfaces and indicating a predetermined display surface; and the belt-shaped movable display body which is provided through a motor shaft and a parallel shaft so that it positions in the front of said movable display body, indicating after a predetermined display surface is switched after the plurality of other display surfaces make to move in a fixed direction, which is differ from the display surface.

In addition, the display device for game machines, arranging at an opening of a base plate of a front member of game machines includes a belt-shaped movable display body which is provided at the game machines based on the opening of the base plate, having a display surface capable of switching alternatively through a motor shaft and a parallel shaft; and a movable display body which is positioned behind the belt-shaped movable display body, having a display surface which is formed in the shape of a sheet, capable of switching alternatively.

The word “movable display body” is a display device that the display device which appeals to the vision of the player changes repeatedly when one chassis for single or plural display devices rotates without any connection of the same kind or different kind of display device for an appearance and function.

In addition, the chassis rotates within the predetermined degrees (60 degrees, for example) through the guide means (guide piece at the side of male and guided part at the side of female) which is provided at the fixed member and movable display body. Therefore, the chassis (prior art) which can rotate at 360 degrees through the fixed shaft is excluded.

Moreover, the word of “indication means” includes electronic display with flat or curved surface, sot machine with mechanical rotating drum, electronic or mechanical display device with rotating plate, electronic or mechanical display device with bar shape or the like.

Furthermore, the word of “fixed member” means a member which supports rotatably the movable display body and supports pivotably a main shaft and parallel shaft for the belt-shaped movable display body.

Accordingly, it's a matter of course that member 31 supports the movable display body 20 in this embodiment includes the fixed member. In addition, although it is not illustrated, the chassis of the game, supporting the movable display body also includes in the fixed member. Moreover, the chassis supports pivotably a main shaft and parallel shaft for the belt-shaped movable display body also includes in the fixed member.

The present invention is understood to encompass embodiments which include all or only a portion of the above objects, features and advantages which, unless recited in claims defining the invention, are understood not to limit interpretation of such claims. The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 20 show the explanation views of the first embodiment of the present invention respectively. FIGS. 21 and 22 are explanation views showing a second embodiment of a movable display body of the present invention respectively. FIGS. 23 and 24 are explanation views showing a second embodiment of a belt-shaped movable display body of the present invention respectively.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a suitable example of the present invention (example which is suitable for pachinko machine);

FIG. 2 is an example of a front view showing the way in which a first indication means of a display device is directed to a player;

FIG. 3 is a plan view based on FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a main part (a fixed member is exploded);

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a main part (a movable display body is illustrated by a virtual line);

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a main part (a fixed member and movable display body are exploded);

FIGS. 8 (a) and (b) are front and plan view of a movable display body at an initial condition;

FIGS. 9 (a) and (b) are front and plan view of a movable display body in mid-course;

FIGS. 10 (a) and (b) are front and plan view showing the way in which a display surface of an indication means in a movable display body changes;

FIG. 11 is a schematic explanation view of a trajectory of a guide piece;

FIG. 12 is a schematic explanation view of a power supply circuit for a movable display body;

FIG. 13 is a schematic explanation view of a belt-shaped movable display body;

FIG. 14 is an example of relationship between a display surface of a movable display body and a display surface of a belt-shaped movable display body;

FIG. 15 is another example of relationship between a display surface of a movable display body and a display surface of a belt-shaped movable display body;

FIG. 16 is a schematic explanation view of an example for a detecting means for a belt-shaped movable display body;

FIG. 17 is an expanded view of a main part from an anterior view in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a schematic explanation view of a belt-shaped movable display body from a plan view;

FIG. 19 is a schematic explanation view of a belt-shaped movable display body from a bottom view;

FIG. 20 is a schematic explanation view of a drive part of a belt-shaped movable display body;

FIG. 21 is an exploded explanation view showing a second embodiment of a movable display body;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a movable display body;

FIG. 23 is a schematic explanation view showing a second embodiment of a belt-shaped movable display body;

FIG. 24 is a schematic explanation view from a plan view base on FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another example (slot machine, for example) of the present invention; and

FIG. 26 is a schematic explanation view pointing out the controversial points of the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail by reference FIGS. 1 to 20.

(1) Environment of Practice of This Invention

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanation view of an example of the embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 is a pachinko machine having a front member, a display device and he like in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 12 is the front member which is called “game frame”, having an openable frame 13 which can lock, a transparent plate 14 (glass plate, for example) which is provided to the openable frame 13 and a base plate 15, which is formed in the shape of a rectangle, which is provided at the rear part of the transparent plate 14 through a predetermined space.

The display device X for the game machines, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 for example, is comprised of a fixed member 31; a movable display body 1 which is provided rotatably at the fixed member 31, capable of indicating the predetermined display surface after the plurality of the display surfaces are switched (it is used as the same numeral in FIG. 26 as a matter of convenience of the explanation); and a belt-shaped movable display body 60 which is provided through a motor shaft and parallel shaft supported pivotably to the fixed member (includes not only the fixed member 31 in this embodiment but also a chassis of the game machine) so as to position in the front of the movable display body 1, indicating after the predetermined display surface is switched after the plurality of other display surfaces make to move in the fixed direction, which is differ from the above-mentioned display surface.

In addition, when the display device X for the game machine in the present invention is installed into the chassis of the pachinko machine 11, each display surface 60a, 60b of the belt-shaped movable display body 60 and each display surface 2a, 3a of the indication means 2, 3 of the movable display body 1 are shown closely up from the opening 16 formed in the base plate 15 in the forward and backward directions each other.

Specifically, one of the display surfaces 2a, 3a of the movable display body and one of the display surfaces 60a, 60b of the belt-shaped movable display body 60 are directed to the player so as to overlap.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first display surface 60b with the matrix-shaped symbol display window of the belt-shaped movable display body 60 is shown in the front of the player from the opening 16 of the base plate 15, at the same time the symbol display surface 2a of the movable display body 1 is shown in the back thereof (Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20, the second display surface 60c with the circle-shaped symbol display window and the circle-shaped symbol display surface 3b are shown also from the opening 16 of the base plate 15 sometimes at the same time. In addition, only the information display surface 60a for the game is also shown from the opening 16 sometimes).

Moreover, each display surface 2a, 3a, 60a can be switched based on the opening 16 of the base plate 15.

(2) Indication Means, Display Surface, Movable Display Body

The words for the main parts of the present invention are explained here. The words of “indication means 2, 3 and movable display body 1” mean the same as the meaning in the explanation of the paragraph of the background of the invention. Therefore, “indication means” of the present invention includes electronic or mechanical display devices relevant to the games. In addition, the belt-shaped movable display body 60 positioned in front of the movable display body 1 is defined by the display device.

In addition, the display surface of the present invention includes the same or different kind of the display surface without the appearance or function. In other word, when the display surface 2a of the first indication means 2 changes to the display surface 3a of the second indication means 3 in the movable display body 1, the content of the display surface 3a is the same as the content of the display surface 2a (both displays are the initial screen, rotating drum screen, for example) as well as the different content of the display surface 2a (for example, the display surface 2a indicates the rotating drum screen, on the other hand, the display surface 3a indicates another screen).

In addition, at least one of the indication means 2 and 3 is used to play the game, and another may be used to indicate information for the game. It is not necessary to use all display surfaces as “game stage”. In this embodiment, all display surfaces are used as the game stage, and the plurality of the indication means (independence or separation) are installed into the chassis as one unit (one example). However, the movable display body is provided the plurality of the display surface continuously in the left and right direction by one indication means depending on the embodiment of the present invention.

The display surface 60a, 60b of the belt-shaped movable display body 60 are positioned continuously in the right and left directions, and they are divided by the display surface 60a which indicates information for the content of the game and display surfaces 60b, 60c with the symbol display window visually based on the opening 16 of the base plate 15. Therefore, there is no borderline on the display surfaces.

In addition, the movable display body 1 and belt-shaped movable display body 60 can drive independently each by drive force of the drive motors 41, 61 which are arranged independently each at the fixed member 31.

Accordingly, the movable display body 1 is switched from the first indication means 2 to the second indication means 3 or from the second indication means 3 to the first indication means 2 owing to a working piece which reciprocates straightly and the guiding means which moves forward and backward with the working piece alternatively by drive force of the drive motor 41. Thereby, the display surfaces 2a, 3a of the plurality of the indication means 2, 3 appears through the opening 16 of the base plate 15 which positions in the back of the transparent plate 14 and belt-shaped movable display body 60 so as to be directed to the player.

On the other hand, the belt-shaped movable display body 60 also moves in a horizontal direction by drive force of the drive motor 61 and can switch the display surfaces 60a, 60b alternatively. Furthermore, the switched display surface and one of the display surfaces of the belt-shaped movable display body 60 is directed to the player. At this time, the display surfaces 60b, 60c having the single or plural number of the symbol display windows and display surfaces 2a, 3a which indicates the symbol, which are positioned behind, are connected as a “bingo line”.

(3) First Embodiment of Movable Display Body 1

The first embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail above referring to the description. The present invention is comprised of the combination of the movable display body 1 and the belt-shaped movable display body which positions in front of the movable display body 1. In other words, it is comprised of one belt-shaped movable display body 60 having the single or plural number of the display surfaces, capable of switching alternatively, and the movable display body 1 which is positioned at the backside of the belt-shaped movable display body, having the plurality of display surfaces, capable of switching alternatively.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the way in which a display surface is directed to the player. FIG. 3 is a plan view based on FIG. 2.

The structure of the movable display body 1 is explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11. As is clear from the figures, the first display surface 2a first indication means 2 is an outer circumferential surface of a plurality of rotating drums 21 which are arranged in a matrix shape. The symbol, which is not shown in the figure, is provided to the outer circumferential surface thereof continuously.

In this embodiment, the chassis 20 of the movable display body 1 is supported in the fixed member 31 which is formed in the shape of a case, and the first display surface 2a (the circumferential surface of the revolving drum) is positioned at a surface 31a of a tip portion of the fixed member 31. The movable display body 1 does not project preferably from the edge part of the chassis 20 (because the belt-shaped movable display body 60 is provided behind the base plate 15). Therefore, when the indication means 2, 3 of the movable display body 1 are switched, the display surfaces 2a, 3a of the indication means 2, 3 are provided preferably so they do not get away from the belt-shaped movable display body 60.

The fixed member 31 is defined as the supporting member to the movable display body 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the fixed member 31 of this embodiment is composed of a supporting plate 32, which is formed in the shape of a frame, positioning at an upper side thereof and a supporting plate 33, which is shape of a frame, positioning at a lower side thereof and connecting to the supporting plate 32. The fitted parts 34, which is formed in the shape of a straight (not only straight shape but also curved line in some measure), are formed along the surface 31a of the tip portion of the fixed member 31 at near side of facing supporting part 32a, 33a (upper and lower wall parts in this embodiment) of the supporting plates 32, 33.

The working piece 22 provided at the side of the movable display body 1, which is formed in the shape of a rod, engages with the fitted part 34. The working piece 22 can move from the one edge 34a to other edge 34b when the indication means 2, 3 are switched.

In this embodiment, fitted part 34 is a straight shape as shown in FIG. 3 so that the working piece 22 reciprocates into the fitted part 34 by drive force of the drive part 40 which is arranged at the lower portion of the fixed member 31, for example.

Although the fitted part 34 is desirably formed up and down as this embodiment respectively, one fitted part 34 may be formed to the fixed member 31 in consideration of the position of the drive shaft of the drive part 40. In addition, the fitted part 34 may be formed the horizontal guide groove which is not illustrated, besides the elongated level guidance hole in this embodiment. Furthermore, when broad cut part for the working piece is formed from the tip surface of the fixed member 31, the fitted part 34 is not the limited element for the independent claim.

In addition, depending on the design, it is not engaged with the fitted part 34, the working piece 22 can reciprocate straightly trough the interlocking piece (not shown in the figure) which moves horizontally along the inner wall surface of the supporting part 32a, 33a by force of the drive part 40, for example. Therefore, the presence or absence of the fitted part 34 is the optional matter of the invention.

Furthermore, the pair of the guided parts 35, which is cut and formed in the shape of a V-letter, is formed at the facing supporting part 32a, 33a of the supporting plate 32, 33. In this embodiment, the guided part 35 is formed at the side of the supporting plate 32, 33. These guided parts 35 are formed at the suitable parts of the rear of the fitted part 34 so as to cross the fitted part 34. In this embodiment, the guide piece 23 or guided part 35, which move in concert with the working piece 22 always, of the movable display body 1 engages with the fitted part 34. In this embodiment, a plurality of the guide pieces 23 projects from the part adjacent the movable display body 1.

And now, the front edge 35a of the guided part 35 may be formed in the shape of an arced groove, a curved fitting groove and the like. In this embodiment, a small projecting piece 36, which is formed in he shape of a V-letter, is provided in the guided part 35, defining by a part of the supporting part 32a, 33a. The small project piece 36 is formed the right and left guided part 35b, 35c at near side, and the movable guide piece 23a, 23b engage with the guided part 35b, 35c.

The guided part 35 has a function for controlling the rotation range of the movable display body 1, and the right and left guide pieces 23 (23a, 23b) move forward and backward in the guided parts 35b, 35c when the indication means 2, 3 are changed and move forward and backward in the crossing direction to the excursion of the working piece. In addition, the right and left guide pieces 23 can change the stop position to the front edge 35a of the guided part 35 as described below (see FIG. 11).

In addition, since the guided part 35 on the female side engages with the guide piece 23 on the male side of the movable display body 1, it's a matter of course that the guided part of the fixed member is defined by the guide piece on the male side when the design of the movable display body 1 is changed to the guided part 35 on the female side.

And now, the guided part 35 has a function for controlling the rotating range of the movable display body 1, and the right and left guide pieces 23 (23a, 23b) move forward and backward in the guided parts 35b, 35c when the indication means 2, 3 are changed and move forward and backward in the crossing direction to the excursion of the working piece. In addition, the right and left guide pieces 23 can change the stop position to the front edge 35a of the guided part 35 as described below.

Now the function of the working piece 22 and guide piece 23 are explained. The working piece 22 has a function to pull the movable display body 1 from the one edge of the fixed member 31 to another edge thereof, and the guide pieces 23a, 23b have a function to control the rotation range of the movable display body so as to direct each display surface 2a, 3a of the movable display body 1 to the transparent plate 14 and each display surface 60a, 60b, 60c of the belt-shaped movable display body 60.

(4) Chassis 20 of Movable Display Body and Indication Means 2, 3, 4

Secondary, examples of the chassis 20 of the movable display body 1 and the indication means 2, 3, 4 are explained. The chassis 20 of the movable display body 1 faces to the inner wall surface of the supporting part 32a, 33a of the fixed member 31. In addition, edge parts of an upper wall part 25 and lower wall part 26 of the chassis 20 are formed in the shape of a break or an arc. In this embodiment, each edge is cut to the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 7.

In consideration of the design and function, the appearance of the chassis 20 is formed as “axis of composition of a triangle” so as to able to look like a triangle with long three edges. Moreover, one opening part 27 and other opening part 28 which intersects the opening part 27 have desirably the same size approximately.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotating-drum-shaped first indication means 2 with display surface 2a in the curved surface shape is installed into one of opening parts 27, and the second indication means 3, which is formed in the shape of a revolving plate, with the display surface 3a, rotating by drive force of the drive motor 17 is installed into another opening part 28.

In addition, it is not limited element in the present invention, however, the oblong indication means 4 (third stage) with an arced display surface 4a and upper and lower fan-shaped end faces is installed into a part 20a (cutting portion of the edge) positioned between the first indication means 2 (first stage) and second indication means 3 (second stage). Therefore, depending on the design, the oblong indication means can be installed into the cut part 20a of other edge of the chassis 20.

And now, when the case-shaped chassis 24 is formed as a shaft structures the triangle, the above-mentioned upper wall 25 and lower wall part 26 is not always have to form broad plate in whole. For example, although the third frame body is assembled so as to project an image of plan triangle with the first frame body of the first indication means 2 and second frame body of the second indication means 3 and constructs the case-shaped chassis 24 without regard to the device for the indication means, he shaft on the design is the same.

In addition, although the edge of the opening part 27 is formed in the shape of a curve in some measure, not straight line (his embodiment), the basic structure is the same when the display surface 2a, 3a of the first indication means 2 and second indication means 3 can be formed.

Furthermore, it is not limited element in the present invention, however, a plurality of sliding member 29 (ball wheels, for example) are provided at the suitable parts of the movable display body 1 so a to rotate the movable display body 1 smoothly.

The movable display body 1 in this embodiment is switched alternatively through the working piece 22 which can reciprocate and guide pieces 23 of the side of the movable display body, working with the working piece 22 with engaging with the guided part 35 of the fixed member 31 by drive force of the drive motor of the drive part 40 which is arranged at the fixed member 31. Such switching may be repeated.

(5) Drive Part 40 For Movable Display Body

The drive part 40 for the movable display body 1 has a relation with the purpose of invention that it switches the indication means automatically into the game so that it is the limited element in the present invention. Therefore, one example of the drive part 40 is explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

Reference numeral 41 is a drive motor which is arranged at the lower part of the fixed member 31 through the attachment plate; reference numeral 42 is a drive shaft, which is formed in the shape of a screwed rod, connecting to the output shaft of the drive motor; reference numeral 43 is a screwing body, which is formed in the shape of a sleeve, screwing the drive shaft; and reference numeral 22 is a vertical working piece, a lower end part thereof fixing to the screwing body, engaging with the upper and lower fitted part 34 of the fixed member 31 at the passing-through state and passing through the chassis 20 of the movable display body 1. It is not necessary to be passed through the movable display body 1, depending on the design. For example, it may engage freely with an engaging groove which is formed at the chassis 20.

(6) Detection Means For Movable Display Body

The first and second detection means 45 and 46 to detect the rotation position of the movable display body 1 are arranged at the predetermined position of the drive part 40. In other word, reference numeral 45 is defined the left first detection means (sensor) to the index 47 which is provided at the lower part of the screwing body 43, on the other hand, reference numeral 46 is a second detection means (sensor) positioned at the right side.

The detection means 45, 46 are attached to the fixed member 31 through the attachment plate. The detection means 45, 46 using a principal of a hall IC, a combination of light emitting element and light-sensitive element or the like is applied selectively.

(7) Power Supply Circuit For Drive Part

The power supply circuit 50 is explained with reference to FIG. 12. The power supply circuit 50 includes an electric power supply, a control part 51 which controls the drive motor 41 by electric current from the electric power supply, the detection means 45, 46 which detect the rotation-position angle of the drive motor 41.

Since the control part 51 is enough to control order and operation (activation, stop) to the drive motor 41 for the movable display body 1 and a drive motor 61 for the belt-shaped movable display body 60, it does not include the control part, drive motor or the like and means commercial power supply, chargeable battery, pressor circuit and the like which are not illustrated when the power supply circuit 50 is defined narrowly. In the present invention, the composition of the power supply circuit is not limited.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 51 is a control part (micro computer) installed into the game machines 11 or display device X; reference numeral 49 is an AC power supply; reference numeral 52 is a filing device; reference numeral 53 is a switching circuit, reference numeral is a drive motor; numeral 45 is a first detection means; numeral 46 is a second detection means; reference letter a is a detected signal that the detection means 45, 46 are detected the position (rotating position of the movable display body 1) of the index or magnet 47 of the screwing body 43; and reference numeral 61 is the drive motor 61 for the belt-shaped movable display body 60 and the like. In addition, means 71, 72 for indicating the belt-shaped movable display body 60 are omitted (see FIG. 16).

(8) Changing Display Surface

The automatic switching of the indication means 2, 3 is explained with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. FIG. 8(a) is a view showing the way in which the display surface 2a of the first indication means 2 is directed to the player. FIG. 8(b) is a view showing the way in which the working piece 22 is positioned at a left side of the fitted part 34. When the working piece 22 is positioned at an initial state, as shown in FIG. 11, the first guide piece 23a inside the guided part 35 is positioned with engaging with the front edge part 35a, on the other hand, the second guide piece 23b is positioned behind the first guide piece 23a.

Now the slot machine using the symbols in the first indication means 2 is operated, and the drive motor 41 starts when the predetermined condition is clear in FIG. 8.

The horizontal drive shaft 42 rotates when the drive motor 41 starts so that the horizontal screwing body 43 starts to move from the first detection means 45 to the second detection means 46 as shown by the arrow. Therefore, the signal output part 47 of the screwing body 43 moves from the first detection means 45 to the direction of the second detection means 46. Then the screwing body 43 moves, and the working piece 22 moves straightly on the fitted part 34.

FIG. 9 is an explanation view showing the way in which the indication means 2 rotates and is switched to the indication means 3 in mid-course. In this condition, the third oblong indication means 4 is directed to the player, and the display surface 2a with the symbol display window, which is formed in the shape of a matrix, in the first indication means 2 and display surface 3a with the symbol display window, which is formed in the shape of a circle, in the second indication means 3 are watched at the same time.

As above-mentioned description, in this embodiment, when the working piece 22 moves from the one edge 34a of the fitted part 34 to other edge 34b thereof, the single or plural guide pieces 23 move forward and backward into the guided part 35 in the cross direction of the excursion of the working piece 22.

When the third indication means 4 is directed to the player, as shown in FIG. 11, the first guide piece 23a and second guide piece 23b are guides to the rear side at the same time and stand in line in the right and left directions (backward movement of the guide piece). When the guide piece 23a, 23b move backward and stand in line in the right-left direction, the working piece 22 is positioned at the center part of the fitted part 34.

In this way, the working piece 22 and guide piece 23 move to concert. When the movable display body 1 rotates in the predetermined direction by moving the working piece 22 and guide piece 23 in concert, it changes from the first indication means 2 to the second indication means 3.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the second detection means 46 detects the position of the index 47 due to move the screwing body 43 to the second detection means 46, the control part 51 gets the signal a and turns off a switching circuit 53 timely when the player watches the display surface 3a (disc screen which is formed in the shape of a roulette) of the second indication means 3 at the front. Then, the working piece 22 moves to the right side of the chassis 20, and the first guide piece 23a and second guide piece 23b move forward at the same time. After that, the second guide piece 23b is engaged with the front edge part 35a. So the game of the second indication means 3 can be started.

In addition, when the game in the second indication means 3 finished, the indication means is switched from the condition in FIG. 10 to the condition in FIG. 8 since the drive shaft 42 rotates in the opposite direction. The description of the opposite action is omitted.

(9) First Embodiment of Belt-Shaped Movable Display Body

The fist embodiment of the belt-shaped movable display body is explained. The belt-shaped movable display body 60 is made of clothes, resin, rubber and the like. In this embodiment, the belt-shaped movable display body 60 is defined by a resin element sheet member. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 13, it is provided vertically in front of the movable display body 1 through the fixed member 31 (including an attachment plate), a motor shaft 62 and a parallel shaft 63 (motor shaft in this embodiment). The belt-shaped movable display body 60 moves (reciprocates in the right and left directions) in the predetermined direction and indicates the display surface 60a for information of content of the game and display surface 60b (60c) for symbol selectively when the motor shaft 62 and parallel shaft 63 which composes the drive part with the drive motor 61 rotate in synchronization.

In addition, in this embodiment, the display surface for symbol includes a display surface 60b having the first display window which is formed in the shape of a matrix and display surface 60c having the second display window which is formed of the different shape with the first display window (one large circle, for example), and the symbol display surfaces 60b, 60c can be indicated when the motor shaft 62 and parallel shaft 63 rotates in synchronization (see FIG. 14, FIG. 15 and FIG. 20).

Furthermore, the stop position of the display surfaces 60b, 60c of the belt-shaped movable display body 60 and the stop position display surfaces 2a, 3a of the movable display body 1 are related each other. In other words, the display surfaces 60b, 60c in the front side and display surfaces 2a, 3a in the back side overlaps selectively in the forward and backward direction based on the line of sight of the player, through the display window 60b (60c) on the front side, the symbol of the display surface 2a (3a) on the back side is watched (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

(10) Drive Part For Belt-Shaped Movable Display Body

The drive part for the belt-shaped movable display body is comprised of the pair of the drive motors 61 and the motor shaft 62 and parallel shaft 63 (motor shaft in this embodiment) which are provided at an output shaft of the drive motor 61 respectively.

The drive motor 61 is fixed to the both ends of the front part of the upper supporting plate 32 through a pair of attachment plates 64 for the motor. In addition, the motor shaft 62 and parallel shaft 63 stand at both ends on the front of the lower supporting plate 33 so as to position under the right and left drive motors 61.

In this embodiment, the vertical motor shaft 62 and parallel shaft 63 are provided rotatably through the attachment plate 64 which projects from the side wall of the fixed member 31, a pair of shat attachment plates 65, a bearing 66, a coupling 67 and the like.

The belt-shaped movable display body 60 with the successive display surfaces 60a, 60b, 60c with the predetermined space can reciprocate in the right and left directions by drive force of the drive motor 61 which is connected to the motor shafts 62, 63 directly. In this embodiment, when one of motor shafts 61 reels the belt-shaped movable display body 60, another parallel shaft 63 sends the belt-shaped movable display body 60 away.

As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the movable display body 1 is installed rotatably into the fixed member 31 formed in the shape of a case, and the belt-shaped movable display body 60 is attached on the front of the fixed member 31 as a unit through the motor shaft 62 and parallel shaft 63.

In addition, the display surfaces 2a, 3a on the back of the movable display body 1 are switched alternatively through the drive force of the drive motor 41 of the drive part 40 which is arranged at one side of the fixed member 31. The belt-shaped movable display body 60 is arranged at other side of the fixed member 31, and one of the display surfaces 60a, 60b, 60c relates any one of the display surfaces 2a and 3a and is switched with reciprocating in the predetermined direction by drive force of the drive motor 61 which differs from the drive motor 41.

Therefore, first means for detecting the rotating position of the motor shaft 62 and a second means for detecting the rotating position of the parallel shaft 63 (motor shaft in this embodiment) are attached to a suitable part of the fixed member 31 through a supporting plate, which is not put numeral, in order to stop the belt-shaped movable display body 60 at the predetermined position.

The display surface 60a is further explained. The dividend information is indicated as one example of information for the content of the game of the display surface 60a. Of course, information how to play the game, right of trademarks for the game machine and the like may be indicated. One of the display surfaces indicates preferably the dividend information. The dividend information includes dividend rate, distribution of dividend to the player and the like.

In addition, the composition of detecting means 71, 72 for the belt-shaped movable display body shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the detecting means 45, 46 for the movable display body 1 so that the description is omitted. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, although a plurality of long guide frames 73 for the belt-shaped movable display body 60 are provided at the upper and lower portions on the front of the fixed member 31, it is a tiny matter so that the description is omitted.

(11) Second Embodiment of Movable Display Body

With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the second embodiment of the movable display body is explained. In addition, the components are denoted by like numerals as of the first embodiment and will not be further explained in great detail in this second embodiment.

The second embodiment of the present invention is distinguished from the first embodiment by the fact that the indication means of the display device X1 is replaced from another electronic indication means 55 which is installed in the chassis of the movable display body, providing the plurality of the display surfaces 2b, 4b, 3b successively, forming in the shape of a bar. In other words, the electronic indication means 55 is defined by an EL element sheet member of one example of the resin material, and the display surfaces 2b, 4b, 3b is one wide screen.

The electronic indication means 55 in this embodiment is composed of a flexible EL element sheet 56 with predetermined width and length; and morphological stability plates 57, 58, which are formed in the shape of a sheet, providing at the inner wall surface and outer wall surface of the EL element sheet 56.

In addition, the first display surface 2b is provided to one side (left side) of the electronic indication means 55 in the long direction continuously; the second display surface 3b is provided at other side (right side) thereof in the long direction continuously; and the third display surface 4b is provided at the center part between the first display surface 2b and second display surface 3b in the long direction continuously.

Moreover, a chassis 20A is formed suitably in the shape of a triangle depending on the shape of the electronic indication means 55, having a curved part from the plan view. Furthermore, the EL element sheet 56 is made of transparent resin material (resin material of a high polymer), being wrapped in the sticking-by-pressure state as a whole.

In this way, it is easy to install the electronic indication means 50 into the chassis 20A, and it has similar advantages to that according to the first embodiment.

(12) Second Embodiment of Belt-Shaped Movable Display Body

The second embodiment of the belt-shaped movable display body is explained. FIG. 23 is a schematic explanation view as the same as FIG. 13. In addition, FIG. 24 is a schematic explanation view shown the way in which a belt-shaped movable display body 60A is provided to the motor shaft 62 and three parallel shafts 63, making open. As is clear from the drawings, for the belt-shaped movable display body 60A, the shaft which connects to the first drive motor 61 is defined by the motor shaft 62, and three parallel shafts are defined by the driven shaft 63. The belt-shaped movable display body 60A is installed to make open at a tensioned state to the shafts 62, 63 in some degree.

This embodiment of the present invention is distinguished from the first embodiment by the fact that it is necessary to greaten the upper part of the chassis 11a of the game machine 11; the belt-shaped movable display body 60A has a revolving system; a guide roller 75 tensioning to the belt-shaped movable display body 60A is provided on back side of the upper part; and there are many parallel shafts 63; there is at least one first drive motor 61. However, these differences are not essential matter of the present invention.

In addition, the guide roller 75 is used in means for biasing with a plurality of springs 76, for example. Moreover, the belt-shaped movable display body 60A rotates with friction resistance, and a plurality of engaged parts (not shown in the figure), engaging with engaging parts of the outer circumferential part of the shafts 62, 63, are provided at the upper and lower edges of the belt-shaped movable display body 60A.

EXAMPLE

The following matters are added about example shown in the embodiment of the present invention.

(a) The indication means in the movable display body includes a multiple of mechanical and electronic display devices as mentioned above.

(b) All display surfaces in the movable display body are used for playing the game. However, one of the display surfaces may be used for indicating information about the game.

(c) The display surface in the movable display body may be formed in the shape of the vertical surface, curved surface, circumferential surface of the revolving drum and the like. In addition, the display surface in the movable display body may be formed in the shape of the circle, polygon, bar, rotating drum, sphere.

(d) The symbol which appears in the display surface in the movable display body or is given in the display surface therein includes, numbers, signs, figures, patterns, colors about dividend and rate magnification and the like, and the symbol in the display surface is provided suitably depending on the content of the game. In addition, the feature of the game of the filing device which is not the limited element for this invention can also be set up arbitrarily and can be adopted.

(e) The drive shaft for the movable display body formed in the shape of a screwed rod and the screwing body which screws to the drive shaft and move straightly are used in order to simplify the structure of the drive part.

The belt system, gear system, crank system and the other methods may be used for transfer of drive force of the drive part, and it is not limited especially. Moreover, also it is the same as the transfer of the drive force of the drive part of the belt-shaped movable display body. Moreover, the arranging part is not limited.

(f) In addition, the index or magnet for the detection means provided to the screwing body is not limited the description in the embodiment especially. Moreover, the hall element 45, 46 are attached to the attachment pieces for the sensor which are attached to the right and left portions of the fixed member 31 when the magnet 47 is fixed directly or indirectly to the suitable portion of the outer circumferential part of the screwing body 43. If this is the case, the detection means detects the magnetic flux of an N pole of the magnet 47 and outputs the positioning signal of the screwing body 43 to the control part 51 when the screwing body 43 moves horizontally and faces the hall elements 45, 46. Moreover, also it is the same as the detecting means 71, 72 of the belt-shaped movable display body.

(g) The movable body 1 in the embodiment rotates horizontally. However, it may be installed into the fixed member 31 so as to rotate vertically. In addition, the guidance (engaging) relationship between the guide piece 23 of the side of the movable display body and guided part 35 provided at the fixed member 31 may be set the opposite mode. In other words, however it is not illustrated, the guided part 35 is provided at the side of the movable display body 1, on the other hand, the guide piece 23 may be attached to the fixed member 31. This is also the embodiment of the present invention.

In addition, the single number of the guide piece 23 may be used. Of course, the guide piece 23 may be formed in the shape of a rod, plate, ball and the like selectively.

Moreover, although one guided part 35 is formed at the upper and lower walls 25, 26 of the fixed member 31 in the embodiment, the second guided part may be formed in the crossing direction to the guided part 35. If this is the case, the plurality of indication means installed into the movable display body can be switched voluntarily, and as a result, the effect for the replacement of the new device can be brought out.

(h) In the embodiment, it is arranged to the front member of the pachinko machine 11. Also it may be used in the display device X1 for slot machines, other game machines. FIG. 25 shows the example showing the way in which the display device X1 of the present invention is provided at the back (inside the chassis) of the front member 12 in the slot machine 11A. For this example, the display device X1 is used as a sub game, and the display device X1 is used as the display device for the main game by itself. Therefore, it is possible to use in many ways.

(i) Although the display window f or symbol of the display surface 60b of the belt-shaped movable display body 60 is divided by nine partitions, the number of the partitions corresponds to the number of the first indication means 2 of the movable display body. Therefore, when the three symbol display surfaces 2a of the first indication means 2 stand in line horizontally, the display window for symbol of display surface 60b of the belt-shaped movable display body 60 (60A) is also divided by three partitions with frame line, opening and the like although it is not illustrated especially. Therefore, the forehand display window for symbol has the single or plural number.

(j) In addition, the belt-shaped movable display body 60 moves horizontally since the motor shaft 62 and parallel shaft 63 are provided vertically. However, the moving direction is not limited. In other words, the motor shaft 62 and parallel shaft 63 may be provided horizontally along the upper supporting plate 32 and lower supporting plate 33. In this case, the belt-shaped movable display body 60 moves in the vertical direction.

As set forth above, the advantages of the invention are as follows:

(1) The display surfaces of two kinds of the indication means (“movable display body” and “belt-shaped movable display body”) can be related each other (forward and backward display surfaces are directed to the player) so that it can realize many indication modes.

(2) For the mechanism to make to rotate the movable display body, the working piece which can reciprocate and guide piece or guided part which moves in concert. In addition, for the mechanism to make to move the belt-shaped movable display body in the right and left directions, the motor shaft and parallel shaft which are supported pivotably to the fixed member (including the chassis of the game machine) are used. Therefore, it can achieve the main purpose of the present invention by easy and rational mechanism.

(3) Since one of the indication means is defined by the belt-shaped movable display body which moves by means for rolling up (motor shaft, parallel shaft), it can be arranged at a space between the backside of the base plate of the front member of the game machines and the belt-shaped movable display body.

(4) Since the movable display body is not used the fixed shaft in the traditional way, each display surface of the indication means does not get away from the transparent plate of the front member of the game machine although the movable display body rotates. Specifically, it does not get away from the belt-shaped movable display body although the indication means of the movable display body is switched alternatively.

(5) When the display device of the game machines is exchanged to other device (it changes for a new device), it can achieve the exchanging effect of a new device easily only by switching one indication means of the movable display body to other indication means by drive force of the drive motor or manual operation.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is utilized in the game business mainly.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
2005-173413	Jun 2005	JP	national
2003-082723	Mar 2003	JP	national
2003-041195	Feb 2003	JP	national

Display device for game machines

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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Priority Claims (3)