Display device for reel-type gaming machines and reel-type gaming machine equipped therewith

Abstract

The objective is to provide a performance device for a slot machine that can enhance the enjoyment of the game by generating the sound of simulated tokens touching each other, and a slot machine equipped with the same. [Solution] The spinning-type gaming machine performance device 10 comprises a plurality of simulated tokens 40, a drive unit 50 for moving the plurality of simulated tokens 40, and a contact unit 62 that contacts the simulated tokens 40 as they move, so as to generate a contact sound by bringing the simulated tokens 40 into contact with each other as they move due to the drive unit 50.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an effect device for a rotary gaming machine and a rotary gaming machine provided with the same.

Background Art

[0002] In a rotary gaming machine that does not use medals, which is called a smart pachislot (also referred to as a so-called smart slot or medal-less gaming machine), there is no input or payout of medals in the game by the player. Therefore, particularly due to the absence of medal payout, the pleasant feeling obtained when medals are paid out is reduced, and the interest in the game is reduced.

[0003] For example, the rotary gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which, in a configuration using medals, medals before being paid out to a tray are dropped from a belt conveyor and collided with the upper surface of a dropping sound generating plate to generate a collision sound and used for an effect.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the rotary gaming machine of Patent Document 1, an effect of generating a collision sound of medals is performed in accordance with the payout of medals. However, in this configuration, since medals are actually paid out to a tray, it is an effective effect, but if the payout of medals is eliminated, the effect is halved. Therefore, a configuration that can provide an effect close to the state at the time of actual medal payout and can enhance the interest in the game is required.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a performance device for a slot machine that can enhance the enjoyment of the game by generating the sound of simulated tokens touching each other, and a slot machine equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a performance device for a revolving-type gaming machine. Multiple fake medals, A drive unit for moving multiple of the aforementioned pseudo-medals, A contact portion that contacts the moving simulated medals is provided to cause contact sounds to be generated when the simulated medals, which are moved by the drive unit, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0008] The present invention is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned performance device for a revolving-type gaming machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the present invention, the present invention provides a performance device for a revolving amusement machine and a revolving amusement machine in which the contact part comes into contact with the moving simulated tokens, thereby generating a contact sound by causing the moving simulated tokens to come into contact with each other. Therefore, in a tokenless revolving amusement machine, an analog-like contact sound of simulated tokens coming into contact with each other can be generated in conjunction with the payout of tokens. This can mitigate the reduction in the enjoyment of playing due to the absence of actual token payouts and enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0010] In the spinning-type gaming machine display device of the present invention, the contact portion may be flexible.

[0011] This configuration allows for the application of repulsive force to the simulated medal through elastic deformation of the contact area, making it easier to bring the simulated medal into contact with other simulated medals based on this repulsive force.

[0012] In the spinning-type gaming machine display device of the present invention, the drive unit may rotate a plurality of simulated tokens around the same central axis.

[0013] This configuration allows for a more efficient arrangement of the simulated medals, which are less bulky in a given direction compared to cases where the simulated medals move along a straight line. Furthermore, it mimics the operation of a medal dispensing device (a so-called hopper), and the sound of the simulated medals contacting each other enhances the sense of realism and improves the overall enjoyment.

[0014] In the spinning-type gaming machine display device of the present invention, the simulated medal may be constrained to the drive unit in a state that allows it to move within a predetermined range.

[0015] This configuration allows for some play in the drive mechanism for the simulated medals to move, making it easier to control their movement and ensuring smooth contact between them. Furthermore, the play in the drive mechanism prevents uniform contact between the simulated medals, resulting in an irregular contact sound similar to that of actual medals being dispensed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view illustrating a revolving-type gaming machine equipped with a performance device for a revolving-type gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the display device for a slot machine, seen from the front and upper right. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the display device for a slot machine in Figure 2 with the front cover removed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the display device for a slot machine, seen from the front and upper right side. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the display device for a slot machine, seen from the rear and lower left side. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view of the display device for a slot machine, with the front cover removed. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 6, showing the state in which a pseudo-medal comes into contact with an adjacent pseudo-medal by contacting the contact area. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 showing a state where the pseudo medal contacts the adjacent pseudo medal after getting over the contact part. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the effect device for a rotary gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention excluding the front cover part. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 showing a state where the pseudo medal contacts the adjacent pseudo medal by contacting the contact part. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 showing a state where the pseudo medal contacts the adjacent pseudo medal after getting over the contact part.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0017] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying an effect device for a rotary gaming machine and a rotary gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The rotary gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a so-called pachislot machine. Hereinafter, the rotary gaming machine 1 will also be simply referred to as the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 is configured as a smart pachislot (also referred to as "smart slot" or "medal-less gaming machine") that plays a game using electronic medals, which are electronic information of gaming medals, as gaming media instead of using medals as gaming media.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes an upper display unit 2, an operation display unit 3, an operation unit 4, a panel unit 5, and an effect device 10 for a rotary gaming machine. Hereinafter, the effect device 10 for a rotary gaming machine will also be simply referred to as the effect device 10.

[0020] In this specification, the direction in which the game machine 1 and the player face each other is defined as the front-to-back direction, the side on which the player should be positioned relative to the game machine 1 is defined as the front side, and the opposite side (i.e., the back side of the game machine 1) is defined as the rear side. Furthermore, the up-and-down direction in the mounted state of the game machine 1 shown in Figure 1 (the state in which the performance device 10 is positioned on the lower side) is defined as the up-and-down direction. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the up-and-down direction is defined as the left-to-right direction, with the left side being the left direction and the right side being the right direction when viewed from the front of the game machine 1.

[0021] The gaming machine 1 houses various mechanical parts and electronic components. In the gaming machine 1, the upper display unit 2, operation display unit 3, operation unit 4, panel unit 5, and performance device 10 are arranged from top to bottom in that order.

[0022] The upper display unit 2 is equipped with indicator lamps that light up or flash when the machine is in a jackpot state (bonus state), etc. On the front side (player side) of the operation display unit 3, multiple (for example, three) reels 3a, 3b, and 3c that can rotate around a horizontal axis are arranged in a left-right direction. The machine is in a jackpot state (bonus state) when the symbols on these reels 3a, 3b, and 3c align in a straight line from left to right.

[0023] The control unit 4 is configured as a console for the player to operate. The control unit 4 is equipped with a start lever 4a, reel stop buttons 4b, 4c, 4d, etc. Although not shown in the diagram, the control unit 4 is also equipped with a credit display (7-segment display, etc.) that displays the number of game tokens (credits), a BET button, and counting buttons used when transferring the number of game tokens to a dedicated unit (a device that dispenses game tokens).

[0024] After the player presses the BET button (not shown) and inserts game tokens (electronic tokens), they operate the start lever 4a, which starts the game on the game machine 1, and the reels 3a, 3b, and 3c start spinning. When the player presses the respective reel stop buttons 4b, 4c, and 4d to stop the corresponding reels 3a, 3b, and 3c, and the symbols on reels 3a, 3b, and 3c line up under predetermined conditions, a pre-set number of game tokens (electronic tokens) are dispensed. The dispensed game tokens (electronic tokens) are displayed on the credit count display (not shown), etc., and are transferred to a dedicated unit by pressing the counting button (not shown), where the tokens are settled.

[0025] Inside the gaming machine 1 (for example, the panel section 5), there is a control unit (microcomputer) for controlling the gameplay using game tokens (electronic tokens) in the gaming machine 1 and the operation of the performance device 10. The control unit has an information processing unit such as a CPU and a storage unit (memory) such as ROM or RAM. The storage unit stores the number of game tokens (electronic tokens) that are dispensed.

[0026] A display device 10 is provided at the lower end of the gaming machine 1 (more specifically, the panel section 5). The display device 10 is positioned in the center of the gaming machine 1 in the left-right direction. The display device 10 is fitted into the housing of the gaming machine 1, with its front side exposed to the front of the gaming machine 1. However, if the front wall of the housing of the gaming machine 1 has a punching (opening) configuration, the display device 10 does not need to be positioned behind the front wall and exposed.

[0027] Next, we will explain the performance device 10 in detail. The display device 10 shown in Figure 2 is a device that generates the sound of medals contacting each other (also called the payout sound). The sound of medals contacting each other is the sound of the simulated medals 40 (see Figure 3, etc.), which will be described later, contacting each other. As shown in Figure 4, the display device 10 comprises a lower case portion 20, a rear wall portion 30, a plurality of (10 in this first embodiment) simulated medals 40, a drive unit 50, a contact body 60, and a front cover portion 70. The drive unit 50 comprises a rotating body 80 and a drive source 90.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lower case section 20 is a rectangular box that is open at the top and elongated in the left-right direction. The contact body 60, which will be described later, is placed inside the lower case section 20. As shown in Figure 6, a portion of the simulated medal 40 fits inside the lower case section 20.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 30 has a shape that is convex upward. The lower end portion of the rear wall portion 30 has a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction. A through hole 30a is formed in the central part of the rear wall portion 30, penetrating in the front-rear direction. The rotating shaft 92 of the drive source 90, which will be described later, is inserted through the through hole 30a. As shown in Figure 5, a rear frame portion 30b is formed on the rear surface of the rear wall portion 30 so as to surround the through hole 30a. The rear frame portion 30b has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the front end of the drive source 90 (a circular shape with protruding upper and lower ends), and the front end of the drive source 90 is assembled to it. As shown in Figure 4, a front frame portion 30c is formed on the front surface of the rear wall portion 30 so as to surround the through hole 30a. The front frame portion 30c has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the cylindrical portion 84b of the rear bearing portion 84 of the rotating body 80, which will be described later (a circular shape), and the cylindrical portion 84b of the rotating body 80 is positioned inside it. On the inner circumferential surface of the front frame portion 30c, twelve projections 30d are formed at equal intervals (30° equiangled) around the axis, protruding inward.

[0030] The rear wall portion 30 is fixed to the lower case portion 20. Specifically, screws 20a (see Figure 5), which are inserted into two holes 30e (see Figures 4 and 5) formed in the rear wall portion 30, are fastened to two screw holes 20b (see Figure 5) formed in the lower case portion 20, thereby fixing the rear wall portion 30 to the lower case portion 20.

[0031] The imitation medal 40 is, for example, a metal plate. The surface of the imitation medal 40 is, for example, a perfect circle. The diameter of the imitation medal 40 is, for example, several centimeters. The imitation medal 40 has a through hole 40a that penetrates in the thickness direction, located closer to the edge than the center of the plate surface. The through hole 40a is an elongated oval shape in the radial direction.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the rotating body 80 has a shaft portion 81, a plurality of partition walls 82 (10 in this first embodiment), a flange portion 83, and a rear bearing portion 84. The shaft portion 81 is cylindrical and extends forward from the flange portion 83. At the front end of the shaft portion 81, a recess 81a is formed, which is recessed to the rear and into which a convex portion 71c, described later, fits. The flange portion 83 protrudes radially outward from the shaft portion 81 and the rear bearing portion 84. The front corner of the outer edge of the flange portion 83 is chamfered.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the ten partition walls 82 extend radially outward from the outer surface of the shaft portion 81. The partition walls 82 are rectangular plates with their front corners straightened. The wall surfaces of the partition walls 82 are parallel to the rotation axis C of the rotating body 80 (see Figure 6). The ten partition walls 82 are formed at equal intervals (36° equiangled angles) around the shaft portion 81. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a through hole 82a is formed in the partition wall 82 at the center (more specifically, slightly forward of the center in the front-rear direction and slightly outward of the center in the radial direction), penetrating in the thickness direction. A ring member 45, which will be described later, is inserted through the through hole 82a.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the rear bearing portion 84 is assembled to the rear surface of the flange portion 83. The rear bearing portion 84 comprises a bearing hole 84a arranged coaxially with the shaft portion 81, and a cylindrical portion 84b that surrounds the outer circumference of the bearing hole 84a and has a portion missing, resulting in a cylindrical shape (C-shaped when viewed from the front or rear direction). The cylindrical portion 84b fits into the front frame portion 30c and can contact the back wall of the rear wall portion 30 within the front frame portion 30c. The shape of the bearing hole 84a is D-shaped when viewed from the front or rear direction. The rotating shaft 92 of the drive source 90, which will be described later, is fitted into the bearing hole 84a.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the pseudo-medals 40 are constrained to the rotating body 80 so as to rotate together with it. In Figures 3 and 6, the pseudo-medals 40 are shown arranged at equal intervals (36° equiangles) around the rotation axis C of the rotating body 80 (without considering changes such as sagging due to their own weight). Each pseudo-medal 40 is placed between adjacent partition walls 82. That is, one pseudo-medal 40 is placed between a pair of adjacent partition walls 82.

[0036] A ring member 45 is provided so as to penetrate each pseudo-medal 40 and each partition wall 82. The ring member 45 is made of, for example, a resin or metal ring (including a thread). The ring member 45 penetrates the through-hole 82a in the partition wall 82 and the through-hole 40a in the pseudo-medal 40. The size of the through-hole 40a in the shorter direction is, for example, larger than the diameter of the ring member 45. Therefore, the pseudo-medal 40 is movable relative to the ring member 45. The ring member 45 may be fitted and fixed in the through-hole 82a of the partition wall 82. With each pseudo-medal 40 positioned between adjacent partition walls 82, the ring member 45 restrains all the partition walls 82 and all the pseudo-medals 40 to the rotating body 80.

[0037] The dummy medal 40 is constrained to the drive unit 50 (more specifically, the rotating body 80) to be movable within a predetermined range (also called the range of movement). The range of movement is the range in which the dummy medal 40 can move along (guided by) the ring member 45 between adjacent partition walls 82. The portion of the dummy medal 40 on the through-hole 40a side (the portion on the shaft portion 81 side of the rotating body 80) is movable between adjacent partition walls 82. While moving or stopped, the dummy medal 40 is in contact with at least one of the ring member 45 and the partition wall 82. The ranges of movement of adjacent dummy medals 40 overlap to some extent. That is, adjacent dummy medals 40 can come into contact with each other.

[0038] As described above, the size of the through-hole 40a of the pseudo-medal 40 (especially the size in the shorter direction) is larger than the diameter of the ring member 45, and furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the ring member 45 (the area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the circumferential direction) is smaller than the opening area of ​​the through-hole 40a of the pseudo-medal 40. As a result, the pseudo-medal 40 can not only move between the partition walls 82, but also move irregularly due to changes in inclination relative to the ring member 45, and can generate a more realistic contact sound (dispensing sound) of the pseudo-medals 40 against each other.

[0039] The drive source 90 is composed of a DC motor, stepping motor, or the like capable of steady rotation. As shown in Figure 4, the drive source 90 has a main body 91 and a rotating shaft 92. The main body 91 generates a driving force to rotate the rotating shaft 92. The rotating shaft 92 protrudes forward from the main body 91. The drive source 90 is fixed to the rear wall 30. Specifically, screws 90b, which are inserted into two holes 91a (see Figures 4 and 5) formed in the main body 91, are fastened to two screw holes 30f (see Figures 4 and 5) formed in the rear wall 30, thereby fixing the drive source 90 to the rear wall 30.

[0040] The tip (front end) portion of the rotating shaft 92 is D-shaped when viewed from the front-to-back direction. The rotating shaft 92 is inserted through the through hole 30a in the rear wall portion 30 and fitted into the bearing hole 84a.

[0041] The contact body 60 is capable of contacting the simulated medals 40 that are moved by the drive unit 50. The contact body 60 functions to generate a contact sound by bringing the moving simulated medals 40 into contact with each other. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the contact body 60 has a base portion 61 and a contact portion 62.

[0042] The base portion 61 is located inside the lower case portion 20. As shown in Figure 5, the base portion 61 comprises a fixing portion 61a and a support portion 61b. The fixing portion 61a is a rectangular plate. The fixing portion 61a has a pair of projections 61c that protrude from both sides in the thickness direction and are aligned in the front-to-back direction. The projections 61c have screw holes 61d that penetrate in the vertical direction. The base portion 61 is fixed to the lower case portion 20 by fastening screws 20d from below to the screw holes 61d of the pair of projections 61c, which are inserted from above into two holes 20c (see Figure 4) in the lower case portion 20.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the support portion 61b rises upward from the right edge of the base portion 61. The support portion 61b is trapezoidal when viewed from the front-to-back direction. The upper surface of the support portion 61b slopes downward to the left. A projection 61e is formed on the upper surface of the support portion 61b, projecting in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface, and to which the contact portion 62 is fixed.

[0044] The contact portion 62 is flexible. The contact portion 62 is configured as a coil spring. One end of the contact portion 62 is fixed to the base portion 61 such that a projection 61e is fitted into it. The other end of the contact portion 62 is a free end. As shown in Figure 6, the contact portion 62 extends from the base portion 61 toward the rotation axis C side of the rotating body 80 (more specifically, slightly above the rotation axis C).

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the front cover portion 70 has a front wall portion 71 and a side wall portion 72. The front wall portion 71 is a plate portion with the same shape as the rear wall portion 30. The side wall portion 72 protrudes rearward from the upper edge (curved edge) of the front wall portion 71. The front cover portion 70, the lower case portion 20, and the rear wall portion 30 form a housing space for accommodating the rotating body 80, multiple dummy medals 40, contact body 60, etc.

[0046] Multiple first through-holes 71a are formed in the center of the front wall portion 71, penetrating in the front-to-back direction. The multiple first through-holes 71a are arranged in the circumferential direction. Multiple second through-holes 71b are formed in the front wall portion 71, penetrating in the front-to-back direction so as to surround all of the first through-holes 71a. The multiple second through-holes 71b constitute a mesh-like network of through-holes. Multiple longitudinal third through-holes 72a are formed in the side wall portion 72, extending in the direction from the front end. The provision of the first through-holes 71a, second through-holes 71b, and third through-holes 72a makes it easier for sound generated inside the performance device 10 to be transmitted to the outside.

[0047] The front cover portion 70 is fixed to the rear wall portion 30. Specifically, screws 70b (see Figure 4), which are inserted into two holes 70a (see Figure 5) formed in the front wall portion 71, are fastened to two screw holes 30g (see Figure 4) formed in the rear wall portion 30, thereby fixing the front cover portion 70 to the rear wall portion 30.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, a cylindrical protrusion 71c that projects backward is formed at the center of the rear surface of the front wall portion 71 (the position surrounded by the multiple first through holes 71a). The protrusion 71c fits into the recess 81a at the tip (front end) of the shaft portion 81 of the rotating body 80.

[0049] Next, the operation of the performance device 10 will be explained in detail. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when game tokens (electronic tokens) are dispensed, the control unit drives the drive source 90 to rotate, causing the rotating body 80 to rotate in a predetermined direction (clockwise when viewed from the front) around the rotation axis C. Specifically, multiple dummy tokens 40 are rotated around the same central axis (rotation axis C) by the drive unit 50. Here, the clockwise direction is called the rotation direction R1, and the opposite direction is called the opposite direction R2. The dummy tokens 40, which are constrained to the rotating body 80 via the ring member 45, rotate together with the rotating body 80 in the rotation direction R1. Specifically, the dummy tokens 40 rotate in the rotation direction R1 due to the action of at least one of the partition wall 82 and the ring member 45. For example, the dummy tokens 40 are restricted from moving backward by contacting the flange portion 83 (specifically, the chamfered portion on the front side of the outer peripheral edge of the flange portion 83).

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the other end (free end) of the contact portion 62 of the contact body 60 is located on the movement trajectory of the dummy medal 40. That is, the other end (free end) of the contact portion 62 is in a position to interfere with the rotating dummy medal 40. Therefore, all dummy medals 40 will come into contact with the contact portion 62 once for each rotation around the rotation axis C. By contacting the dummy medal 40, the contact portion 62 acts to change the position or inclination of the dummy medal 40 relative to the rotating body 80. Specifically, by contacting the dummy medal 40, the contact portion 62 acts to bring the dummy medal 40 closer to an adjacent dummy medal 40.

[0051] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the rotating dummy medal 40A contacts the contact portion 62 from above and moves along the ring member 45 in the opposite direction R2 relative to the rotating body 80, as indicated by arrow A1. As a result, the dummy medal 40A contacts the adjacent dummy medal 40B in the opposite direction R2 (their movement ranges overlap in the opposite direction R2), generating a contact sound between the dummy medals 40A and 40B. At this time, for example, the dummy medal 40B moves downward (in the rotation direction R1) due to its own weight and hangs down to the right while contacting the partition wall 82.

[0052] After contacting the pseudo-medal 40B, the pseudo-medal 40A moves over the contact portion 62 (the contact portion 62 is pressed against and penetrates the pseudo-medal 40A), and moves in the rotational direction R1 together with the rotating body 80, as shown by arrow A2 in Figure 8, while moving in the rotational direction R1 within the range of movement relative to the rotating body 80. As a result, the pseudo-medal 40A comes into contact with the adjacent pseudo-medal 40C in the rotational direction R1 (their ranges of movement overlap in the rotational direction R1), and a contact sound is generated between the pseudo-medals 40A and 40C. At this time, for example, the pseudo-medal 40C moves downward due to its own weight and hangs down vertically while in contact with the partition wall 82.

[0053] Here, before the pseudo-medal 40A overcomes the contact portion 62, the contact portion 62 undergoes elastic deformation due to contact with the pseudo-medal 40A. The pseudo-medal 40A receives a repulsive force from the elastic deformation of the contact portion 62, while also receiving a pressing force from the partition wall 82 in the opposite direction R2 in the rotational direction R1. Then, once the pseudo-medal 40A overcomes the contact portion 62 and the repulsive force from the contact portion 62 is released, it moves rapidly in the rotational direction R1. As a result, the pseudo-medal 40A makes forceful contact with the pseudo-medal 40C, making it easier for a contact sound to be generated.

[0054] Other pseudo-medals 40 besides pseudo-medal 40A also move in the same way as pseudo-medal 40A due to the rotation of the rotating body 80, and come into contact with adjacent pseudo-medals 40, producing a contact sound. In this way, by continuing to rotate the rotating body 80, the contact sound of the pseudo-medals 40 coming into contact with each other continues, producing a sound that makes it seem as if many medals are being dispensed into the tray. As described above, the contact part 62 comes into contact with the moving pseudo-medals 40, causing the pseudo-medals 40 that are being moved by the drive unit 50 to come into contact with each other and produce a contact sound.

[0055] The rotational drive of the drive source 90 (setting of rotation speed, rotation angle, etc.) may be performed in accordance with the number of game tokens (electronic tokens) to be dispensed. Alternatively, the rotational drive of the drive source 90 (rotation speed, rotation angle, etc.) may be set based on the spacing between the partition wall 82 and the simulated tokens 40, and the number of partition walls 82 and simulated tokens 40. This makes it possible to generate the desired contact sound (dispensing sound) of the simulated tokens 40 against each other.

[0056] (Main effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment of the spinning-type gaming machine display device 10, the contact part 62 makes contact with the moving simulated tokens 40, causing the moving simulated tokens 40 to make contact with each other and generate a contact sound. Therefore, in a tokenless spinning-type gaming machine 1, an analog-like contact sound of simulated tokens can be generated in conjunction with the payout of tokens. This can mitigate the reduction in the enjoyment of playing due to the absence of actual token payouts and enhance the fun of playing.

[0057] In the display device 10 of this first embodiment, the contact portion 62 is flexible. This configuration allows a repulsive force to be applied to the simulated medal 40 due to the elastic deformation of the contact portion 62, making it easier to bring the simulated medal 40 into contact with other simulated medals 40 based on the repulsive force.

[0058] In the display device 10 of this first embodiment, the drive unit 50 rotates a plurality of pseudo-medals 40 around the same central axis. This configuration allows for an efficient arrangement that does not take up much space in a given direction, compared to the case where the pseudo-medals 40 move along a straight line. Furthermore, the configuration of rotating a plurality of pseudo-medals 40 around the same central axis is similar to the operation of a medal dispensing device (a so-called hopper), and the sound of the pseudo-medals 40 contacting each other enhances the sense of realism and improves the entertainment value.

[0059] In the presenting device 10 of this first embodiment, the simulated medals 40 are constrained to the drive unit 50 in a state where they can move within a predetermined range. This configuration allows for some play in the drive unit 50 for the simulated medals 40 to move, making it difficult for the movement of the simulated medals 40 to be restricted and allowing the simulated medals 40 to come into smooth contact with each other. Furthermore, the play in the drive unit 50 for the simulated medals 40 makes it difficult for the contact patterns of the simulated medals 40 to be uniform, thus producing an irregular contact sound similar to that of actual medals being dispensed.

[0060] <Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, the configuration of the dummy medal and the contact body differs from that of the first embodiment. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the first embodiment, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the second embodiment of the spinning-type gaming machine display device comprises a lower case portion 20, a rear wall portion 30, a plurality of (10 in this second embodiment) simulated tokens 240, a drive unit 50, a contact body 260, and a front cover portion (not shown) similar to the front cover portion 70 of the first embodiment.

[0062] The pseudo-medal 240 is larger in size relative to the rotating body 80 than in the first embodiment. The pseudo-medal 240 has a through hole similar to the through hole 40a in the first embodiment. The pseudo-medal 240 is restrained to the rotating body 80 via a ring member 45, in the same structure as in the first embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the pseudo-medal 240 is restrained in a state where it can move within a predetermined range (movement range) and can come into contact with adjacent pseudo-medal 240s.

[0063] The contact body 260 differs from the first embodiment in the extension direction of the contact portion 262. The contact body 260 has a base portion 261 and a contact portion 262. The base portion 261 is located inside the lower case portion 20, similar to the first embodiment. The contact portion 262 is configured as a coil spring. One end of the contact portion 262 is fixed to the base portion 261 such that a projection 261e is fitted into it. The other end of the contact portion 262 is a free end. The contact portion 262 extends horizontally (left-right direction) from the base portion 261 to the left (slightly below the rotation axis C).

[0064] The performance device of the second embodiment operates in the same manner as the performance device 10 of the first embodiment. The pseudo-medal 240, which is constrained to the rotating body 80 via the ring member 45, rotates together with the rotating body 80 in the rotational direction R1 (clockwise when viewed from the front).

[0065] As shown in Figure 9, the other end (free end) of the contact portion 262 of the contact body 260 is located on the movement trajectory of the pseudo-medal 240 and interferes with the rotating pseudo-medal 40. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the rotating pseudo-medal 240A contacts the contact portion 262 from above and moves along the ring member 45 in the opposite direction R2 relative to the rotating body 80, as indicated by arrow A1. As a result, pseudo-medal 240A contacts the adjacent pseudo-medal 240B in the opposite direction R2 (their movement ranges overlap in the opposite direction R2), generating a contact sound between pseudo-medals 240A and 240B.

[0066] After contacting the pseudo-medal 240B, pseudo-medal 240A moves over the contact portion 262 and, as shown by arrow A2 in Figure 11, moves in the rotational direction R1 together with the rotating body 80, while moving in the rotational direction R1 within its range of movement relative to the rotating body 80. As a result, pseudo-medal 240A comes into contact with the adjacent pseudo-medal 240C in the rotational direction R1 (their ranges of movement overlap in the rotational direction R1), and a contact sound is generated between pseudo-medal 240A and 240C.

[0067] Here, before the dummy medal 240A overcomes the contact portion 262, the contact portion 262 undergoes elastic deformation due to contact with the dummy medal 240A. The dummy medal 240A receives a repulsive force from the elastic deformation of the contact portion 262, while also receiving a pressing force from the partition wall 82 in the opposite direction R2 in the rotational direction R1. Then, once the dummy medal 240A overcomes the contact portion 262 and the repulsive force from the contact portion 262 is released, it moves rapidly in the rotational direction R1. As a result, the dummy medal 240A makes forceful contact with the dummy medal 240C, making it easier for a contact sound to be generated.

[0068] The performance device of the second embodiment has the same effect as the performance device of the first embodiment.

[0069] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings, and the following embodiments, for example, are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0070] In the first and second embodiments described above, in addition to the sound of contact between the simulated medals, a sound of contact between the simulated medals and the partition wall 82 may also occur.

[0071] In the first and second embodiments described above, the contact portion was made up of a coil spring, but it may be made up of other types of spring members, such as a leaf spring.

[0072] In the first and second embodiments described above, the contact portion was flexible, but it may also be a rigid body (such as a plate) that is not flexible. For example, a simulated medal may be used as the non-flexible contact portion. When the simulated medal driven by the drive unit comes into contact with the simulated medal configured as the contact portion, a contact sound can be generated between the simulated medals. In addition, the simulated medal configured as the contact portion may be displaced (tilted, etc.) relative to the base portion.

[0073] In the first and second embodiments described above, the display device is shown as having 10 pseudo-medals, but any other number of pseudo-medals may be provided as long as multiple pseudo-medals are available.

[0074] In the first and second embodiments described above, the drive unit was configured to rotate a plurality of pseudo-medals around the same central axis, but the pseudo-medals and partition walls may be configured to slide (reciprocate) in a predetermined direction. For example, instead of a rotating body, a sliding member may be used in which a plurality of partition walls are spaced apart in a predetermined direction (e.g., left-right direction), and pseudo-medals may be placed between adjacent partition walls in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments, and the pseudo-medals may be constrained to move relative to the partition walls by a restraining member (thread-like member). In this configuration, the sliding (reciprocating) of the sliding member can generate contact sounds between the pseudo-medals, similar to the first and second embodiments.

[0075] In the first embodiment described above, the timing of contact between pseudo-medals that one of them is in contact with the contact portion 62 (similar to the contact between pseudo-medals 40A and 40B) and the timing of contact between pseudo-medals at the lower end of the rotating body 80 (similar to the contact between pseudo-medals 40A and 40C) may be different or the same. The same applies to the contact between pseudo-medals 240 in the second embodiment.

[0076] In the first and second embodiments described above, the drive unit had one rotating body, but it may have multiple (e.g., two) rotating bodies. For example, multiple rotating bodies of similar configurations may be fixed coaxially to the rotation axis of the drive source. This makes it possible to generate a louder contact sound between the simulated medals even with only one drive source. In addition, multiple drive units (rotating bodies, drive sources) may be provided.

[0077] In the first and second embodiments described above, the front wall portion 71 was provided with a first through hole 71a, a second through hole 71b, and a third through hole 72a, but these through holes do not necessarily have to be provided. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 1: Slot machine (gaming machine) 2: Upper display 3: Operation display section 3a, 3b, 3c: Reel 4: Control section 4a: Start lever 4b, 4c, 4d: Reel stop buttons 5: Panel section 10: Performance device for slot machine (performance device) 20: Lower case section 20a: Screw 20b: Screw hole 20c: Hole 20d: screw 30: Back wall 30a: Through hole 30b: Rear frame section 30c: Front frame section 30d: Protrusion 30e: Hole 30f: Threaded hole 40, 40A, 40B, 40C: Pseudo-medals 40a: Through hole 45: Ring component 50: Drive unit 60: Contact body 61: Base 61a: Fixed part 61b: Support part 61c: Protrusion 61d: Screw hole 61e: Protrusion 62: Contact area 70: Front cover section 70a: Hole 70b: Screw 71: Front wall 71a: 1st through hole 71b: 2nd through hole 71c: Convex part 72: Side wall section 72a: 3rd through hole 80: Rotating body 81: Shaft 81a: Recess 82: Partition wall 82a: Through hole 83: Tsuba (sword guard) 84: Rear bearing section 84a: Bearing hole 84b: Cylindrical section 90: Power source 90a: Hole 90b: Screw 91: Main body 91a: Hole 92: Rotation axis 240, 240A, 240B, 240C: Pseudo-medals 260: Contact object 261: Base 261d: Protrusion 262: Contact area C: Axis of rotation R1: Direction of rotation R2: Opposite direction

Claims

1. Multiple fake medals, A drive unit for moving multiple of the aforementioned pseudo-medals, A contact portion that contacts the moving simulated medals is provided to cause contact sounds to be generated when the simulated medals, which are moved by the drive unit, A performance device for a revolving-type amusement machine, characterized by comprising the above.

2. The aforementioned contact portion is characterized by being flexible, as described in claim 1, for a spinning-type gaming machine.

3. The drive unit is characterized by rotating a plurality of the pseudo-medals around the same central axis, as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The spinning-type gaming machine display device according to claim 3, characterized in that the simulated medal is constrained to the drive unit in a state that allows it to move within a predetermined range.

5. A slot machine comprising a spinning-type gaming machine display device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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