JP2001346951A - Light emitting device for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light emitting device for game machine in which a device configuration, especially a board configuration provided with a light emitting unit, or the like, is compacted while providing a new decoration form. SOLUTION: In a pinwheel 44 provided with a board 11 where the light emitting unit 10 provided with a light source for irradiating light from the light source as irradiation light is attached and a rotary body 19 provided with a rotary shaft 20, attached to a base body 12 and rotated by receiving the contact of a flowing-down game ball, the board 11 is attached to the base body 12 by supporting a board outer edge between the base body 12 and a board cover 61 for supporting the board 11 from a back surface. Thus, since the board is supported at an outer edge part, a space at the center part of the board is not turned to the space for supporting the board and the installation space of a device such as the light emitting unit and the auxiliary components is turned to a wide range. Thus, the number of components installable on the board is increased and the device constitution capable of generating a high-grade decoration form is realized further.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light emitting device for a game machine provided in the game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional gaming machine, various decoration-related parts are used to enhance the interest of a player, and those whose decoration mode is changed according to a game state are used. Light emitting devices for gaming machines that emit light are provided as components contributing to the decoration of such gaming machines. However, such light emitting devices for gaming machines are subject to various considerations such as cost, installation space, and decorativeness. It is extremely difficult to manufacture a product that satisfies all of these requirements. In particular, when providing a novel and interesting decoration mode in such a gaming machine light emitting device, a relatively large light emitting unit, a circuit or the like, or a device requiring a large number of components is used. It was extremely difficult to install all of them on a small substrate.

[0003]

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a novel light emitting device for a game machine, which is provided with a novel decoration mode, and in particular, has a compact structure such as a substrate structure on which a light emitting unit is provided. Is to provide.

[0004]

Means for Solving the Problems and Action / Effects In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a base provided on a board of a game board, and a light source for irradiating light from the light source. A back surface supporting a substrate on which a light emitting unit for illuminating as light is mounted, and a rotating body mounted on the substrate with a rotating shaft and rotated by contact of a flowing game ball, and supporting the substrate and the substrate from the back surface A light emitting device for a game machine, wherein a substrate is fixed by supporting an outer edge of the substrate with a body.

When a decorative device such as a light-emitting unit is installed to create an interesting decorative mode, such a decorative device must be increased in size as the decorative mode becomes more complicated, or the number of attached parts increases. Further, according to the above configuration, since the substrate is supported at the outer edge, the space at the center of the substrate is not used as the space for supporting the substrate (that is, there is no need for a space for fastening with screws or the like), and light emission is performed. The installation space for devices such as units and their attached parts can be widened. Thereby, the number of components that can be installed on the substrate can be increased, and a complicated device configuration can be realized on the substrate. Conversely, the space on the substrate required for supporting the substrate can be extremely narrowed, which contributes to the achievement of miniaturization of the apparatus.

Further, in order to fix the substrate relatively non-rotatably around the axis with respect to the base, a pair of the base side engaging portion and the substrate side engaging portion which engages with the pair are formed at the outer edge of the substrate. And a plurality of holes arranged in the circumferential direction, and a through hole is formed in the substrate at a substantially central position of the plate surface, and one light emitting unit is inserted on each side of the through hole with respect to the through hole. Attach in an array lined with holes,
Further, a terminal terminal portion may be formed in which terminals of wirings directed to the light emitting unit are collectively arranged in such a manner as to be brought to one side of the arrangement of the light emitting unit and the insertion hole. Note that any of the light emitting units described above and below can be a composite light emitting unit in which a plurality of LED light sources having different emission colors are collectively arranged and different mixed light is emitted according to the emission intensity of each LED light source. .

A light emitting unit having a large number of wirings,
In a composite light-emitting unit in which a plurality of LED light sources having different emission colors are collectively arranged and emit different mixed light according to the emission intensity of each LED light source, a large number of wirings are connected to the light-emitting unit. It is extremely difficult to provide in a narrow space on the substrate. In the present invention,
Since the base and the substrate are engaged at the outer edge of the substrate,
The internal space in which the light emitting unit, the terminal terminal, and the wiring for connecting them are provided can be sufficiently secured, and the light emitting unit and the terminal terminal can be efficiently installed in the space. When the number of wirings is large as described above, the printed wirings are forced to approach each other, and problems such as short-circuiting and disconnection are likely to occur. However, according to the above configuration, such problems are extremely small.

[0008] A printed wiring portion for connecting the light emitting units to each other may be formed on at least one plate surface of the substrate on a side opposite to a position where the terminal terminals are located with respect to the arrangement. Further, the following configuration, function, and the like may be added to the above configuration. That is, in the gaming machine light-emitting device, the board-side engaging portion includes an engaging recess that is recessed in a radial direction of the rotation shaft at an outer edge of the board, and the base-side engaging portion is engaged with the engaging recess. It can be made to engage by inserting. Furthermore, the substrate can be positioned relatively to the substrate in the axial direction of the rotation shaft by being sandwiched between the substrate and the back support at the outer edge of the engagement recess.

Further, according to the present invention, in a light emitting device for a game machine provided with the above-mentioned composite light emitting unit, the composite light emitting unit is provided on both sides of the rotary shaft insertion hole, and the anode or the anode of each LED element is provided in the composite light emitting unit. A common power supply terminal is provided in which one terminal of the cathode is connected in common and connected to a power supply, and the other terminal is connected in common to the LED elements that emit the same color light of both composite light emitting units for each color. Connect to common connection,
The common connection for each color can be provided on each side of the substrate in a non-intersecting manner.

As described above, one terminal is commonly connected to each LED element that emits light of the same color, and the other terminal is provided with a common power supply terminal, so that voltage control or the like for each color can be performed on one terminal side. This makes it possible to irradiate the same color of illuminating light from both composite light emitting units.

The following configuration, function, and the like can be added in addition to the above configuration. That is, in the gaming machine light emitting device, the plurality of terminals are arranged in a line in the same direction, and at least some of the terminals form a pair in the facing direction (for example, the pairs are arranged in order from the innermost one). None), pairs are connected by an inter-pair wiring pattern that bulges to one side in a direction intersecting the terminal arrangement direction, and the inter-pair wiring patterns connect the inner terminal pairs. It can be formed so as to be non-intersecting with each other in such a manner that it is located further inward in the bulging direction.

A terminal connected to the composite light-emitting unit; and a terminal connected to the composite light-emitting unit. The terminal connected to the composite light-emitting unit has a terminal connected to the composite light-emitting unit. The terminal corresponding to the common connection for each color in the terminal terminal can be connected by wiring.

Further, the composite light-emitting units may be provided so as to have a plurality of light-emitting power supply units provided in one-to-one correspondence with the composite light-emitting units and individually supplying power to each composite light-emitting unit.

Each of the common power supply terminals provided in the composite light-emitting unit is connected to the light-emitting power supply unit provided separately from the substrate via the terminal terminal, and the terminal terminal and the common power supply terminal are connected to each other. One of the two power supply lines is connected on the front side of the substrate and connected to one of the common power supply terminals, and the other is connected on the back side and connected to the other common power supply terminal. it can.

Further, in any of the above-described light emitting devices for gaming machines, the rotating shaft is provided so as not to rotate relatively to the base, and the rotating body is relatively rotatable relative to the rotating shaft. Can be prepared. Specifically, for example, in the light-emitting device, a rotating shaft that is formed integrally with or separate from the base, and that fixes the rotating shaft relatively unrotatably by inserting the rotating shaft into an insertion hole formed therein. A fixing member may be provided. Further, in any of the above-described light emitting devices for gaming machines, the substrate is formed in a disk shape, and the printed wiring portion can be prevented from being provided on the plate surface in an area outside a radius of 90% of the substrate. .

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a front view of a structural example of a windmill 44 as a gaming machine light emitting device 1 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as light emitting device 1) of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an AA sectional view thereof. . This windmill 44
The portion excluding the light emitting unit 10 described later is the accessory main body. Note that the term "gear" as used herein is a generic term for not only the winning port having a special mechanism in the gaming machine but also auxiliary parts and decorative parts having a special mechanism such as the windmill 44 described above. As shown in FIG. 15, the function of the windmill 44 in the game is provided on the front surface of the game board, and has the effect of rotating with the contact of bullets and enhancing the decorativeness. Note that the accessory having the light-emitting unit 10 can be referred to as a light-emitting accessory as one embodiment of the present invention.

To explain the outline of the present invention, the light emitting device 1 for a gaming machine includes a base 12 attached to the surface of a game board,
A rotating body 19 attached to a base 12 with a rotating shaft 20 and rotated by contact of a flowing game ball, and a light emitting unit 1 having a light source and emitting light from the light source as irradiation light
And a substrate 11 to which the “0” is attached. The rotating body 19 is penetrated by the rotating shaft 20, and one end of the rotating shaft 20 is prevented from coming off with respect to the rotating body 19.
And a retaining portion 20a having a diameter larger than the hole 19a through which the rotating shaft 20 is inserted. Its rotation axis 20
Penetrates a rotating body 19, a cylindrical shaft supporting portion 12 a formed on the base 12 and supporting the rotating shaft 20, and a shaft insertion hole 87 (see FIG. 4) formed on the substrate 11, respectively. At the end opposite to 20a, the substrate 11 is fixed to a substrate cover 61 as a back surface support for supporting the substrate 11 from the back surface.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the base 11 is mounted with the outer edge thereof supported by the substrate cover 61 and the base 12. Then, the substrate 11 is
Is fixed to the substrate cover 61 and / or the base 12 so as to be relatively non-rotatable about the axis. It is provided at one location or at a plurality of locations (two locations in the present embodiment) arranged in the circumferential direction, and when these are engaged, the rotation of the substrate around the axis (rotation axis 20) is prevented. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an engagement recess which is recessed at the outer edge of the substrate 11 in the axial radial direction of the rotating shaft 20 (ie, in the radial direction of the substrate 11 formed in a disk shape) as a substrate-side engagement portion. 70 is formed. As shown in FIG. 2, an engagement protrusion 24 a as a base-side engagement portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting with the substrate 11 in the base 12 (in this embodiment, protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 11) is provided. The engagement is made by cutting into the mating recess 70, so that the substrate 11 cannot be rotated relative to the base 12. In the present invention, the engaging convex portion 24a is formed integrally with the base 12 and formed at the end of the protruding portion 24 that protrudes toward the back support (in the present invention, protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the game board surface). Is done. For example, the protrusion 24 may be formed substantially in the shape of a shaft, and the engagement protrusion 24 a may be formed substantially in the shape of a shaft at the end of the protrusion 24 with a diameter smaller than the shaft diameter of the protrusion 24. That is, a step is formed at the base point of the engaging projection 24a. In the present embodiment, two engaging recesses 70 as the board-side engaging portions are formed at symmetrical positions with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft 20, but the number may be any number.

The engaging protrusion 24a projects into the board cover 61 with the board 11 interposed therebetween, in a state of being cut into the engaging recess 70, and at a position corresponding to the projecting position, the board cover 6
1 and engages with the back surface support side engaging portion 69 provided on the support member 1. In this embodiment, the base-side engaging portion is formed by the engaging convex portion 24a and the back support-side engaging portion 69. When the substrate-side engaging portion and the substrate-side engaging portion are engaged with each other,
Is positioned relatively to the base 12 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20 by being sandwiched between the base 12 and the substrate cover 61 at the outer edge of the engagement recess 70. Specifically, the outer edge of the engaging concave portion 70 is the base end surface 24 of the engaging convex portion 24a.
b and the substrate front side contact surface 69a in contact with the substrate surface in the back surface support side engaging portion 69 is configured to be sandwiched in the thickness direction of the substrate 11.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the board cover 61,
FIG. 3B shows a side view thereof. Then, after inserting the engaging projection 24 (FIG. 2) into its own gap 69 so that the back support-side engaging portion 69 cannot move relative to the substrate cover 61 in the plate surface direction, the engaging portion 69 is engaged. It is positioned so as to be sandwiched from the lateral direction with respect to the protruding direction of the convex portion 24. In addition,
In FIG. 3A, the insertion position of the engagement protrusion 24a in the engagement state is indicated by a broken line.

As shown in FIG. 3 (c), the rotating shaft 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 67a in the support cylinder 67 for supporting the rotating shaft 20 formed on the substrate cover 61 as the back surface support. Is fixed so that it cannot rotate relative to. That is, the substrate cover 61 functions as a rotation shaft fixing member. When the rotation shaft 20 is relatively unrotatable with respect to the base 12 in this manner, the rotation of the rotation shaft 20 with respect to the base is smaller than when the rotation shaft 20 is rotatably provided with respect to the base 12. Since the rotating body 19 is fixed and can rotate around the stable axis without causing the like, the rotating force is stably maintained. In addition, when the rotating shaft 20 is rotatable as in the related art, when the rotating body 19 suddenly reversely rotates, the rotation that has started to reversely rotate due to frictional force from the rotating shaft 20 that maintains rotation by inertia force or the like. A rotational force in the opposite rotational direction may be generated on the body, and a decrease in the rotational force may occur. However, according to the above configuration, there is no such a problem, and the collision force of the game ball can be effectively converted to the rotation force of the rotating body 19. In the example of FIG. 2, the diameter of the insertion hole 67 a before insertion is formed smaller than the diameter of the rotating shaft 20, the fitting is performed by the rotating shaft 20, and so-called interference fit is performed. The diameter of the insertion opening side in the insertion hole 67a is made larger than the shaft diameter of the rotary shaft 20, and the insertion side is formed in a tapered shape such that the insertion side expands in cross section so that the diameter on the back side becomes smaller than the shaft diameter. Is also good. This facilitates the insertion of the rotating shaft 20 and contributes to an increase in assembly speed and the like. In addition, the rotating shaft 2
The method of fixing the cover 0 and the substrate cover 61 is not limited to this.
After the rotation shaft 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 67a, the two may be bonded or the like.

Further, the board cover 61 is provided with a slot 6 so that the wiring from the terminal terminal can be led out to the outside.
5 is one of the back support side engaging portions 69 and the insertion hole 67a.
And placed between. Further, pressing members 64, 64 for fixing the substrate 11 by making contact with the substrate 11 at the outer edge of the substrate cover 61 and preventing the substrate 11 from being uneven in the thickness direction are provided.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a modification of the mounting structure of the substrate cover 61 and the rotating shaft 20. FIG. In this modified example, a support cylinder 62 formed to be coaxially connected to the rotation shaft 20 is provided on the substrate cover 61. Support tube 62
Is provided with an engaging member into which the rotating shaft 20 is inserted and which engages a retaining head formed at an end of the rotating shaft 20, so that the rotating shaft 20 is prevented from falling out of the support cylinder 62. The support cylinder 62 is connected to the base 12 by the stopper.

As shown in FIG. 7A, an engaging groove 20b is formed circumferentially at the end of the rotating shaft 20 as a head for retaining, and the engaging groove 20b is formed at the tip of the support cylinder 62. The supporting cylinder of the rotating shaft 20 is formed by being inserted into the groove of the engaging groove 20b and engaging with the engaging claw 62b surrounding the rotating shaft 20 in the circumferential shape at the engaging groove 20b. 62
Is stopped. FIG. 7C shows the rotating shaft 20.
FIG. 7 (b) is a side sectional view of the gaming machine light emitting device 1 using these members. As shown in FIG. 6B, the engaging claw 62 b is formed to protrude in the axial radial direction of the support cylinder 62 so as to be inserted into and engaged with the engaging groove 20 b of the rotating shaft 20. Also,
As shown in FIG. 6C, a cut portion 62c is formed in the side wall of the support tube 62 in the axial direction of the support tube 62, and the cut portion 62c allows the support tube 62 to elastically expand or contract in diameter. Is done.

Next, the structure of the substrate 11 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the substrate 11 has a rotary shaft insertion hole 87 (hereinafter, also referred to as an insertion hole 87) through which the rotation shaft 20 is inserted substantially at the center of the plate surface. Each of the light-emitting units 10, 10 (see FIG. 5) is attached in an array (hereinafter, this array is also referred to as a light-emitting unit installation array) arranged on both sides of the insertion hole 87. Light emitting unit installation areas 72, 72 for installing the light emitting units 10, 10 are provided on the substrate 11,
In the light emitting unit installation areas 72, 72, the terminal groups 15, 15 provided in the light emitting units 10, 10 are fixed on the substrate 11.

Further, a terminal terminal portion 22 (see FIG. 5) in which terminals of wirings directed toward the light emitting units 10 and 10 are collectively arranged so as to be located on one side of the arrangement of the light emitting units 10 and 10 and the insertion holes 87. It is formed. The terminal 22 is provided in a terminal terminal installation area 62 provided on the substrate 11, and serves as a connector for connecting wiring (printed wiring or the like) on the substrate 11 to external wiring connected to the substrate 11.

The light emitting unit 10 includes a plurality of LED light sources (blue LED element 2, green LED element 4,
Red LED elements 6: see FIG. 14) are collectively arranged, and are configured as a composite light emitting unit that illuminates different mixed light according to the emission intensity of each LED light source (hereinafter, the light emitting unit 10 is also referred to as the composite light emitting unit 10). Say). The details of the composite light emitting unit will be described later. Then, on at least one plate surface of the substrate 11, a printed wiring portion is provided on the side opposite to the terminal terminal portion 22 (installed on the terminal installation region in FIG. 4; see FIG. 5) with respect to the arrangement of the light emitting units. It is formed.

Each of the composite light emitting units 10 and 10 has a common power supply terminal to which one terminal of an anode or a cathode of each LED element is commonly connected and connected to a power supply, and the other terminal is connected to both composite light emitting units 10 and 10. , 10 are connected in common for each color by connecting the LED elements that emit light of the same color (red LED element common connection 74, green LE
D common connection 76 and blue LED common connection 78). The common connection for each color is provided as a printed wiring portion on one side of the substrate 11 in a non-intersecting manner.

In this printed wiring section, for example, as shown in FIG.
And a plurality of terminals are arranged in a line in the same direction, and at least some of them form pairs in order from the one located on the inner side in the facing direction, and the paired ones intersect with the terminal arrangement direction. In this case, the wiring may be connected as a paired wiring pattern of a form bulging to one side. That is, the common connection for each color is formed so as to be non-intersecting with each other so that the connection between the inner terminal pairs as the pair-to-pair wiring pattern is positioned more inward in the bulging direction.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4C, the terminals of the light emitting units may be installed substantially in parallel with each other. In this case, connection such as printed wiring can be the same as in FIG.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, on the surface of the substrate 11 opposite to the surface on which the common connection for each color is provided, the common connection for each color and the corresponding color connection in the terminal 22 (FIG. 5). Terminals corresponding to the common connection are connected by wiring. If the configuration is such that the space on both sides of the substrate can be used effectively, it is not necessary to use a multilayer substrate, so that the substrate can be miniaturized without increasing the difficulty of processing, and thus the light emitting device itself can be miniaturized. Contribute.

Each common power supply terminal provided in the composite light emitting units 10 and 10 is connected to the substrate 1 through a terminal terminal 22.
1 is connected to the light emitting power supply unit provided separately from
One of the two power supply wirings connecting the terminal terminal 22 and the common power supply terminal is wired on the front side of the board (front side common power supply wiring 79) and the terminal 7 is connected to one common power supply terminal.
9a, the other side is wired on the back side (back side common power supply wiring 73), the terminal 73b of the back side common power supply wiring 73 conducts with the terminal 73a on the front side of the substrate, and the terminal 73a connects to the other common power supply terminal. Connected. In this embodiment, the common power supply terminal is a common anode terminal 35 (FIG. 8, FIG. 1).
4).

More specifically, the connection on the substrate 11 is specifically described. The red LED element common connection for connecting the red LED element 6, the green LED element 4, and the blue LED element 2 in each of the composite light emitting units 10, 10 respectively. 74, green LED element common connection 76, blue LED element common connection 7
8 are provided by printed wiring, and the common connection is such that the terminal 74a is a terminal 74b, the terminal 76a is a terminal 76b,
The terminal 78a is connected to the terminal 78b, and the common connection for each color is conducted to the back side. And the terminal 74
b to the red back side common connection 74c, the terminal 76b to the green back side common connection 76c, and the terminal 78b to the blue back side common connection 78c. These back side common connections 74c, 76c, 78c The external connection terminals (red LED external connection terminal 74d, green LED external connection terminal 76d, blue LE
It is connected to external wiring via a D external connection terminal 78d).

Next, the circuit configuration of the light emitting device for a game machine will be described with reference to FIG. The circuit configuration of the gaming machine light-emitting device 1 will be briefly described. A plurality of light-emitting units 10 each having an LED light source are provided in each light-emitting unit by a plurality of light-emitting power supply units provided in one-to-one correspondence with the light-emitting units. In this case, the power is individually supplied. At that time, switching control is performed by switching means for turning on / off the power supply to the light emitting units 10, and the amount of emitted light is adjusted.

The above-mentioned switching means includes C
A PU 301 and an I / O port 300 can be provided. That is, the main control unit of the gaming machine described later (FIG. 16,
In response to a signal from the main control unit 100 (a signal indicating a gaming state of the gaming machine, for example, a signal indicating that a special gaming state such as a jackpot or establishment fluctuation has been reached), the peripheral control circuit 120 emits light. A signal indicating the light emission mode of the unit 10 is transmitted, and the signal is transmitted via the I / O port 300 to C
It is transmitted to PU301. Then, a switching command from the CPU 301 to the light emitting unit 10 is issued in accordance with a predetermined program (for example, a program stored in the ROM 302 and transmitting a switching signal).

The switching command includes an anode-side switching command for issuing a switching command from the anode-side ports 310a and 310b, and a cathode-side port 310
The cathode-side switching commands for performing switching commands from c, 310d, and 310e are issued according to programs (for example, switching control programs stored in ROM). Then, by controlling the switching of each cathode-side port while the anode side is on, it is possible to control the light-emitting position of each LED element. In the present embodiment, a portion for controlling the light emission of the light emitting unit 10 is referred to as a light emission control device 12.
2 is configured. Further, the amount of light emitted from each LED element can be adjusted by, for example, duty ratio control described later. That is, by adjusting the duty ratio added to the cathode side of each LED element, the amount of light emitted from each LED element can be adjusted, and thus the emission color of the light emitting unit can be adjusted. Note that, instead of controlling the amount of emitted light by duty ratio control, a waveform generating circuit (for example, FIG.
The light emission amount may be controlled by a sine wave generation circuit as shown in FIG. For example, a light emitting power supply unit is individually provided on the anode side of each light emitting unit,
The circuit can be configured so that a sine wave voltage is generated on the cathode side.

In this embodiment, a red LED common cathode connection 305 having a common cathode for each color is used.
a, green LED common cathode connection 305b, blue LED
A common cathode connection 305c is provided, and an external connection terminal 7
The switching of the cathode side of the LED element of the same color is simultaneously performed in both light emitting units via 4d, 76d, and 78d. In this embodiment, the red LED element common connection 74, the green LED element common connection 76, and the blue LED element common connection 78 are configured as one element in each common cathode connection. By sharing the cathode side in this way, the number of external terminals in the in-substrate wiring portion 350 which is a portion provided on the substrate 11 (see FIG. 4) (that is, the external connection terminals provided on the terminal terminals 22 on the substrate 11) Number) can be reduced and the size of the substrate 11 can be reduced (five in this embodiment), thereby contributing to the downsizing of the entire light emitting device for gaming machines. Of course, the cathode side is not connected to the common side, and the cathode side is provided with independent terminals, and switching means, switching control means (I / O
The cathode side of the LED element may be individually controlled by the port 300 or the like.

In order to make the light-emitting unit 10 emit light simultaneously, the I / O port 3
By transmitting output signals from the ports 310a and 310b at 00, the signals are amplified by the transistors 309a and 309b as amplifiers, and the voltage level on the anode side of each light emitting unit is set. The amplifiers are individually provided with power supplies 330a and 330b. Note that the plurality of light emitting units 10 include a plurality of composite light emitting units, and the composite light emitting units
Common anode connection 3 in which the anodes of the D elements are commonly connected
07a, 307b (note that the common anode connection 30
7a and 307b are common anode terminals 35 provided in the light emitting unit 10 via external connection terminals 73d and 79d.
(Refer to FIG. 14, which will be described later.) However, the common anode is connected to a light-emitting power supply corresponding to each composite light-emitting unit. The light emitting power supply unit includes the power supply configuration (I / O port 300, transistors 309a and 309b, power supplies 330a and 330b) as described above.
) Can be adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any method that can individually and independently supply power to each light emitting unit may be used.

Since the voltage levels at the common anode connections 307a and 307b are independently adjusted, the light emitting power supply units provided on each anode side are not affected by each other, and
A voltage level is set for each light emitting unit,
Each light emitting unit is controlled independently. The value of the current flowing in each light emitting unit is less affected by the resistance of each LED element than the resistor provided on the circuit because the specific resistance is sufficiently small.
A difference in current value due to a difference in resistance between elements is small, and a current having the same value can be accurately supplied at the same timing. Therefore, for example, when it is desired to make the light emission change timing (for example, the change of the light emission amount or the change of the light emission color) coincide in all the light emitting units, it is easy to synchronize them, and it is possible to prevent the shift of the light emission change. Further, even when it is desired to independently control only some of the light emitting units, the light emission can be controlled independently without affecting other light emitting units. As described above, since the light emission timing can be accurately controlled, it is possible to extremely accurately change the light emission of a plurality of light emitting units at the same time, and to provide a regular light emission mode.

On the other hand, the LED elements that emit the same color light of each composite light emitting unit are commonly connected to the cathode of each LED element for each color. And those common connections are I /
Port 310c,
By adjusting the outputs of 310d and 310e, the voltage applied to the LED element of each color can be adjusted (that is, the value of the flowing current can be adjusted), and the light emission amount change control for each color can be performed. The adjustment on the cathode side is performed by the CPU.
310c, 310d, 310
The voltage can be adjusted by changing the e duty ratio. Instead of using such a microcomputer, for example, a sine wave generation circuit or the like described later may be provided on the cathode side to continuously adjust the voltage. For example,
A constant voltage value is individually added to the anode side of each light emitting unit, and the voltage value of the commonly connected cathode side is changed by, for example, a sine wave generating circuit or the like.
The amount of current generated at zero may be changed.

When the above circuit configuration is applied to a game machine windmill as shown in FIG. 2 in a game machine light emitting device, the effect becomes extremely large. That is, the wind turbine for a game machine is required to be compact in view of the installation position on the game machine or the device configuration. On the other hand, since a novel and interesting decoration mode is desired, it is desired to provide one that sufficiently satisfies those requirements. With the above configuration, it is possible to provide devices that are well-balanced in decorativeness and compactness. In other words, a composite light-emitting unit that illuminates various luminescent colors requires a large number of terminals because a plurality of LED elements are required,
The number of terminals can be reduced by connecting the cathode side in common,
In addition, since the power supply terminals are individually provided on the anode side, the decorativeness can be prevented from lowering. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a configuration with the minimum number of terminals without a decrease in decorativeness.

FIG. 9 shows a modification of the circuit configuration of the light emitting device for a game machine. According to this circuit configuration, an output port is provided for each LED element,
By sending an output signal from a specified port (ports 320a to 320f), the LED of the specified port is sent.
The light emission of the elements is controlled independently. In other words, the one shown in FIG. 9 is provided with a power supply for each light emitting unit, and is provided with a plurality of light emitting power supply units for individually supplying power also for each LED element. The light emitting power supply unit includes a transistor 324a as an amplifier provided in a form corresponding to each of the ports 320a to 320f.
To 324f. Therefore, as in the case of FIG. 8, power is supplied independently for each light emitting unit (or for each LED element), so that the applied voltage does not interfere with each other, and the current is applied independently to each other. With this configuration, the amount of emitted light of each light emitting unit can be accurately controlled. Since the power is supplied independently for each LED element, the current values generated in each LED element do not interfere with each other.
The bias of the current due to the difference in the specific resistance value of each ED element is extremely reduced. The resistors for current adjustment (resistors 322a to 322f) in FIG. 9 are provided on the anode side of each LED element, but such resistors may be provided on the cathode side.

In this embodiment, the light-emitting device for a game machine having two light-emitting units is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any number of light-emitting units can be provided.
Further, in the present embodiment, the number of LED elements provided in each light emitting unit is three, but is not limited thereto.
It can be any number.

Hereinafter, aspects of the present invention during a game will be described. As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 10, a cover 14 formed of a light-transmitting material is provided on the front side of the light emitting unit 10, and these components (the light emitting unit 10, the base 12, and the cover 14) emit light. Unit 10
From the front of the gaming machine (for example, toward the player). Further, on the front side of the cover 14, a rotatable rotator 19 is installed, and the rotator 19 is provided with a front plate 18 having a light-transmitting property. I do. In addition, the rotation axis 20 is the front plate 18,
The rotating body 19 penetrates the cover 14 and is fixed to the base 12, and the front plate 18 and the rotating body 19 are fitted to each other.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the ball 203 comes into contact with the windmill 44 during the game, the game board 2
The rotator 19 rotates integrally with the front plate 18 by the passage of the ball on the front surface of the cover 14 which substantially coincides with the front surface of the front plate 18 (the glass on the further front surface of the front plate 18). A frame 201 is provided). Then, the light from the light emitting unit 10 passes through the front plate 18 and the cover 14 having a light-transmitting property and leaks out, thereby providing a vivid decoration mode to the player.
Therefore, the decoration by rotation of the front plate 18 and the decoration by irradiation from the light emitting unit 10 act synergistically,
It will be novel and interesting for the player. The front plate 18 may be formed so as to have translucency over the entire surface, or may be partially shielded from light.
When the entire surface is translucent, the efficiency of irradiating the light from the light emitting unit 10 is increased, and the amount of irradiated light is increased. If a part is shielded from light, a new decoration mode will be created by the balance between light shielding and light transmission.

As shown in FIG. 11, the inner surface of the rotating body 19 facing the base 12 (for example, the front plate fixing portion 18)
(a) The surface on the side of the base 12 or the surface of the blade 16)
, And a metallic gloss layer 225 (for example, a plating layer formed by electroless plating or the like, an aluminum foil) formed on at least a part of the rotating body 19 (the front plate fixing portion 18a, the blade 16 and the like). Etc.), and is reflected in multiple directions by the metallic gloss layer 225. The indirect light reflected in this way is the rotating body 1
9 or a light guiding portion formed between the rotating body 19 and the base 12 (a gap formed between the front plate fixing portion 18a and the base 12 in the example shown in FIG. The opening formed with the portion 18a and provided with the light-transmitting front plate 18 is defined as a light guiding portion), and is led as indirect light.

In this way, the indirect light emitted from the rotating body 19 itself or from the light extracting portion formed between the rotating body 19 and the base 12 is formed on at least a part of the inner surface of the rotating body 19. The metal gloss layer 225 is reflected without lowering the light amount, and irradiates the rotating body 19 or the vicinity of the base 12 with sufficient illuminance maintained.
In addition, since the base 12 and the like can be irradiated with indirect light affected by the reflection medium (the rotator 19 or the metallic gloss layer 225 formed on the rotator 19), the base 12 and the like can be variously illuminated. Will be born. Further, when the player looks at the rotating body 19 or the base 12, the metallic gloss layer 225
Rotator 1 by indirect light reflected directly to the player side by
The part 9 or the whole rotating body 19 is seen with a decoration mode such as glitter. Further, the base 12 includes a bulging portion that bulges outside the outer edge of the rotating body 19 in the board surface direction of the game board 202, and a metal gloss layer is provided on a surface of the bulging portion. In this way, the bulging portion is the rotating body 1
When the player looks at the windmill 44 from the front side, the metallic luster layer formed on the bulging portion is not hidden by the rotating body 19 and the decoration of the base 12 itself by bulging outward from the outer edge of the base 9. The effect can be further enhanced.

In FIG. 11, the path of a part of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 10 is indicated by an arrow. In the rotating body 19, the metallic gloss layer 225 is
And a part of the indirect light 210 reflected from the metallic gloss layer 225 irradiates the base 12 and the vicinity of the base 12 in the game board 202. Further, a part of the indirect light is further reflected by the metallic gloss layer 225 formed on the base 12 to be further indirect light 210a, which is emitted to the player side. When the metallic gloss layer 225 is formed on at least a part of the surface of the base 12 on the side facing the rotating body 19, the base 12 itself emits light by indirect light reflected by the metallic gloss layer 225 to the player side. In addition to being visible, the rotating body 19 also appears to be illuminated by indirect light from the base 12 to the rotating body 19, and the light emission of the base 12 and the rotating body 19 synergistically enhances the decorative effect of the gaming machine windmill. Further, since indirect light is applied to the rotating body 19 via the metallic gloss layer 225 of the base 12, the rotating body 19
Is the state of the substrate 12 or the metallic gloss layer 225 (the material of the substrate 12, the material of the metallic gloss layer 225, the metallic gloss layer 2).
Under the influence of the 25 surface shapes, etc.), which contributes to excitement.

As shown in FIG. 11, the light emitting unit 10 is provided together with the rotating body 19, and the light emitting unit 10 is provided on the rotating body 19 itself.
Alternatively, a light guide portion formed between the base body 23 and the rotating body 29 (in the example shown in FIG. 11, formed between the front plate fixing portion 18a of the rotating body 19 and the base body 12 and formed from the metallic gloss layer 225 The reflected light from the light-emitting unit 10 derives the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 10).
The decoration by the mixed light from the light-emitting unit 10 acts synergistically to provide a very novel and interesting decoration mode. Further, since the emitted light can be variously selected by using the mixed light, the rotating body 19 and the vicinity thereof can be rendered with various colors. Furthermore, mixed light from a plurality of light sources having different emission colors is derived by the light deriving unit, so that the degree of mixing thereof is increased when the light passes through the light deriving unit, and the derived light exhibits a uniform emission color. Becomes

Further, a front plate 18 is provided which is arranged so as to form a gap serving as a receiving space for game balls between the base plate 12 and the blade 16 as a projecting member. The blade 16 is provided so as to be integrally rotatable with the blade 18 and a plurality of the blades 16 are arranged around the rotation axis at predetermined angular intervals (three blades 16 are arranged in the present embodiment). The rotating body 19 protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation shaft 20 and is provided to rotate the rotating body 19.

Then, a metallic luster layer 225 is formed on at least a part of the protruding member (blade 16). Feather 1
Forming the metallic luster layer 225 on the entire surface of No. 6 further improves the decorativeness. In addition, a protruding member (blade 1)
The rotating body 19 is formed by the metallic gloss layer 225 provided in 6).
The design itself is improved, and the indirect light reflected at least partially by the protruding member causes the rotating body 19 to have a decoration mode such as glitter. In addition, since the rotating body 19 rotates in response to the falling of the game ball, a decoration mode different from the stationary state of the rotating body 19 is generated due to the metallic gloss layer on the projecting member and the indirect light by the metallic gloss layer. , A new decorative pattern is born and greatly contributes to the enhancement of interest. Although the protruding member is the blade 16 here, the shape is not limited to this, and the protruding member is not limited to this, and may be a shape that receives a flowing game ball and rotates the rotating body (for example, a mountain shape, a square shape, a column shape, and the like). Projecting member)
In any case, the metallic luster layer 225 can be formed.

FIG. 12 schematically shows a configuration example of the light scattering means. FIG. 12A shows an example in which the base of the front plate 18 having a light-transmitting property is provided with a void 220 as light scattering means. In addition, what is provided in the space 220 can be various gases, but air is desirable in consideration of cost, ease of molding, and the like. Due to the gap 220 thus formed, a part of the incident light that has entered the inside of the base is reflected and reflected at the boundary between the gap and the base.
Refraction, diffraction, etc. occur and are scattered. Therefore, the illuminating light from the front plate 18 is scattered in multiple directions, and the front plate 1
8 itself and its vicinity shine with a unique light emission mode. In addition. As shown in FIG. 12B, the light scattering particles 222 can be provided without forming a gap. The light scattering particles 222 are formed of a material having a different refractive index from that of the base of the front plate 18, and the incident light is refracted in various directions by the difference in the refractive indexes. The light scattering particles 2
Phenomena such as reflection and diffraction also occur at the boundary between the substrate 22 and the base, and these phenomena cause incident light to be scattered in multiple directions. As a result, the illuminating light from the front plate 18 is scattered in multiple directions,

Such a light scattering means can be similarly formed on the cover 14 provided on the base 12 by the above method. As described above, the front plate 18 as a scattering transmission unit that scatters and transmits the irradiation light from the light emitting unit 10 is provided on at least one of the base 12 and the rotating body 19, so that the light emitting unit 10
Is scattered in multiple directions, and the front plate 18 itself as a scatter transmitting portion has a unique light emitting mode, and the scattered light increases the illuminance on the rotating body 19 and the vicinity of the base 12, resulting in a more vivid image. This will create a decorative aspect.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the scattering transmission portion is formed so that an uneven pattern for causing light scattering is formed on the surface on the light receiving side of the irradiation light and / or the surface on the opposite side. can do. Although FIG. 13 shows an example of the front plate 18 in which a concavo-convex pattern is formed on the surface opposite to the light-receiving side of the irradiation light, the concavo-convex pattern may be formed on the light-receiving side. By forming the concavo-convex pattern in this manner), refraction, reflection, diffraction, and the like of light occur in the concavo-convex pattern portion, and light emitted from the front plate 18 is scattered in multiple directions. In this way, by making the uneven transmission pattern a scattering transmission portion formed on the surface,
While being able to simplify the configuration of the scattering transmission section,
The scattering mode can be variously set in accordance with the use condition by the method of forming the uneven pattern. These uneven patterns are formed on the front plate 18 as shown in FIG.
The scattering member 230 may be provided detachably. By thus providing the scattering member 230 detachably (that is, by making it a detachable unit), it is possible to attach various types according to the use situation. Such scattering members, resin, glass,
If it is formed of paper or the like and is attached with an adhesive or the like, the work of attaching and detaching becomes easy, and the cost is reduced. The light scattering means may be provided with both a light scattering medium such as a void and light scattering particles, and an uneven pattern.

Further, as in the example of FIG. 2, a funnel-shaped concave portion 301 formed in a curved surface on the base 12 and having a metallic gloss layer on the inner wall may be provided. The light emitted from the light emitting unit of the light emitting unit 10 protruding from the inner wall of the concave portion 301 is given a reflector function by the metallic gloss layer 225 formed on the inner wall of the concave portion 301. As a result, the illuminance applied to the player side can be increased, and the indirect light from the metallic gloss layer 225 on the inner wall gives a special light emission mode and is illuminated from the cover 14.

In the case as shown in FIG. 11, the front plate 18 serving as the scattering / transmitting portion emits light so that the outline of the light emitting portion cannot be visually recognized when the light emitting unit 10 is viewed through the front plate 18. It can be scattered. In this case, the light emitting unit 10 as an electric component is made invisible, so that the outline of the light emitting unit 10 configured as an electric component for which design is not so important is hidden, and the decoration of the gaming machine is spoiled. Disappears. In addition, this method can be adjusted by adjusting the number of voids, the number of light scattering particles, and the number of uneven patterns formed. The amount of light decreases,
If the amount is too small, the light scattering action does not occur so much that the light emitting unit 10 can be seen by the player, and the design is reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to provide light scattering means to such an extent that the light emitting unit of the light emitting unit 10 cannot be visually recognized, while ensuring a sufficient light amount for decoration. As described above, the scattering / transmitting portion provided on at least one of the front plate 18 and the cover 14 provided on the base 12 is provided with a gap, a light-scattering particle or irregularities formed on the surface in the translucent substrate. Since it is sufficient that at least one of the patterns is formed, the scatter transmission portion can be easily configured,
The cost associated with this configuration is also low.

As shown in FIG. 11, the light scattering means is provided on the cover 14 and the front plate 18 is provided with a transparent member, or the light guiding means is not provided with the front plate 18 but is formed as an opening. Part. In this case, the light is scattered by the cover 14,
The indirect light reflected by the metallic gloss layer 225 provided on the base 12, the front plate fixing portion 18a, the blade 16, or the like, or the irradiation light from the cover 14 (for example, irradiation light as indicated by an arrow 215) The light is directly radiated to the player side through the light deriving unit, and a bright light emission mode is provided to the player. At this time, since the front plate 18 is made of a transparent body or an opening, indirect light from the metallic glossy layer 225 of the blade 16 is irradiated to the player side, and is conventionally hidden by the front plate 18 or the like. The wings 16 that have been used can be visually recognized by the player with a special decoration mode such as sparkle, and when the wings 16 rotate with the decoration mode, novel decorations are generated synergistically, and the rotation is interesting. Will be high.

Next, the structure of the light emitting unit 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. The light emitting unit 10 includes a blue LED element 2, a green LED element 4, and a red LED element 6, and these elements are formed as a composite LED element. These composite LED elements are fixed to the element fixing base so as to be provided in a state of protruding forward (upward in FIG. 14A in FIG. 14A) in the order of shorter emission wavelength. Further, the element fixing base can be configured to have a step by adjusting bases 30a and 30b and the base 31 to which the adjusting bases 30a and 30b are mounted or integrally formed, and a composite LED element having a short emission wavelength is used. The chip is mounted on the element fixing base such that the chip surface position is located closer to the front side. In this manner, light emitted from the chip having a short emission wavelength is less likely to be absorbed by light having a long emission wavelength, and sufficient external emission efficiency can be maintained by increasing the external quantum efficiency of the chip having a short emission wavelength. It is in a decorative state in which the mixed light is irradiated.

Each light from each LED element is diffused in the light-transmitting cover 8 as a light mixing / deriving portion, or the difference in the refractive index of each light when entering the light-transmitting material. Light that has reached the surface of the translucent cover 8 is mixed with each other by internal reflection or the like. If a diffusion medium for diffusely reflecting or diffusing light is mixed in the translucent cover 8, a more favorable light mixing state can be obtained. The translucent cover 8 of the composite LED element is partially formed on a lens, and transmits light from the plurality of LED elements to the optical axis 3.
By including a light-condensing member that condenses light in nine directions while mixing the light, an optical axis that can be mixed well can be generated.

Further, as shown in FIG.
The anode terminal and the cathode terminal derived from the D element are connected to a terminal group 15 led out of the light emitting unit 10. The anode terminal derived from each LED element (blue LED anode terminal 2b, green LED anode terminal 4b, the red LED anode terminal 6b) is connected in common and led out of the light emitting unit 10 as a common anode terminal 35. Furthermore, each cathode terminal (blue LED cathode terminal 2a, green LED cathode terminal 4a, red LE
D cathode terminals 6a) are external cathode terminals 3
It is led out of the light emitting unit 10 as 2, 33, 34. The external cathode terminal and the common anode terminal 35 constitute the terminal group 15 and are connected to a light emission control device via wiring (see FIG. 1), and the light emission control device controls light emission of each LED element.

As described above, the light emitting unit 10 includes an element fixing base on which a plurality of LED elements of different light emission colors constituting a light source are assembled and mounted on one end, and is disposed on one end of the element fixing base. A light-transmitting cover (light-transmitting cover 8) as a light-mixing and illuminating portion that covers a plurality of LED elements is integrated with a common power supply terminal to which an anode of each LED element is commonly connected to an element fixing base. , Common cathode terminal 35, and external cathode terminals 32, 3, each serving as an individual control terminal that individually takes out the cathode terminal of each LED element.
3 and 34 have a composite LED element formed. As described above, by providing the common anode terminal 35 as a common power supply terminal to which the anodes of the respective LED elements are commonly connected, the device can be made compact, and the cathode terminals of the respective LED elements serve as individual control terminals individually taken out. By forming the external cathode terminals 32, 33, 34, each L
The ED elements can be individually controlled. Therefore, each L
Since the light emission pattern of the ED can be changed variously individually, a variety of mixed light can be generated, and the decorativeness is enhanced. The control of the light emission pattern will be described later. In the present invention, the common power supply terminal provided for each light emitting unit is provided with a light emitting power supply unit, and power is individually supplied to each light emitting unit.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Each of the LED elements surrounds the optical axis (the center of the light emitting unit 10 formed in a circular shape in the plan view of FIG. 14B) so as to surround the blue LED element 2, the green LED element 4, and the red LE.
The D element 6 can be arranged. By doing so, it is possible to generate an optical axis in which light from all the LED terminals is satisfactorily mixed, and to provide a novel and vivid decoration light.

The light emitting device configured as described above and used by being attached to the gaming machine 60 as shown in FIG.
An accessory main body (in this embodiment, a windmill in this embodiment) which is mounted on a game board of the gaming machine 60 and has a light leading-out portion (corresponding to the light transmitting front plate 18 and the cover 14 in the windmill 44 shown in FIG. 1). 44) and a plurality of light sources (blue L
ED element 2, green LED element 4, and red LED element 6)
And a light-mixing illuminator configured to be made of a light-transmitting material and a light-transmitting material, guide each light from a plurality of light sources into itself, mix them, and emit the mixed light. Light-emitting unit 10 having light-transmitting cover 8 as a projection
And is configured as a gaming machine accessory that allows mixed light from the light emitting unit to leak from the light output unit of the accessory main body.

Next, some examples of the light emission control method will be described. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration inside the gaming machine. Main control unit 100 of gaming machine
, The CPU 101, the ROM 103, the RAM 105
During the game, a game is performed according to a main program or the like configured in the ROM 103, and a program corresponding to each event is read out from the ROM 103 every time an event such as a prize, a big hit, a probable big hit or the like occurs, and a game state is displayed. Will be changed. For example, when a ball hits the starting opening 50 (FIG. 15) during the game, after detecting by the starting opening winning detection switch 118c, the switch detecting unit 1
16, the main program receives the information transmission, calls the corresponding program from the ROM 103, and executes it. At this time, the CPU 101
Event information generated via the port is transmitted to the peripheral control circuit 1
The peripheral control circuit 120 specifies the light emitting device 1 according to the event and specifies a light emitting method (light emitting control method) by the light emitting control device 122.

Next, a configuration example of the peripheral control circuit 120 will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG. In the peripheral control circuit 120, an I / O port 136 for inputting event information from the main control unit 100 (FIG. 16), a CPU 130 for performing various processes in the peripheral control circuit 120, a RAM 132 in which a work area and the like are formed, a light emission A ROM 134 in which information on the pattern is stored is provided. The peripheral control circuit 120 receives a signal from the main control unit after an event occurs, transmits a signal related to a light emitting method to a specific light emitting control circuit 122, and receives a signal related to the light emitting method to achieve the light emitting method. 1 to generate a control signal (for example, a voltage signal whose duty ratio is adjusted) to drive the light emitting device 1. The peripheral control circuit 120 and each of the light emission control devices 122 are configured as a separate board 131 and can be attached to a game machine (for example, the separate board 131 can be configured as a versatile detachable unit). ). Hereinafter, the control flow will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

During the game, the game is performed according to the main program stored in the ROM 103 of the main control unit. If a specific event occurs during the game, for example, the starting port 5
When a ball is won at 0 (FIG. 15), the ball is detected by the start port winning detection switch 118c, and the information is transmitted from the switch detection unit 116 to the main control unit 100.
Upon receiving the information, the main program determines that a specific event (in this case, an event associated with the winning opening) has occurred, calls a program corresponding to the event from the ROM 103 via the CPU 101, and executes the program. An event-specific program called from the ROM 103 transmits information (hereinafter, also simply referred to as event information) for transmitting that a specific event has occurred to the peripheral control circuit 120 (S1).

The event information is stored in the I / O port 136 (FIG. 1).
7) is input to the peripheral control circuit 120 through the ROM, and a program (hereinafter, also simply referred to as light emission pattern information) for outputting light emission pattern information corresponding to the event information is stored in the ROM.
Called by the CPU 130 from 134. The light emission pattern information includes a signal that specifies one of the light emission control devices 122, a signal that specifies a voltage waveform output from the light emission control device 122 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a waveform selection command), and the duration of the signal. Are output to the light emission control device 122 (S2). FIG.
As shown in (a), the waveform generation microcomputer 123 as a voltage waveform generation means in the light emission control device 122 generates and outputs a voltage waveform based on the waveform selection command.
Further, each LE of the light emitting unit 10 is controlled by the voltage adjusting means.
The voltage applied to the D element (see FIG. 14 and the like) is adjusted (S3).

The waveform signal generated by the waveform generating microcomputer 123 is converted into an analog signal by a D / A converter 125 as voltage adjusting means, amplified by an amplifier 127, and output to each LED element in the light emitting unit 10. (S4). In addition, since the applied voltage is adjusted independently in each LED element, the light emission pattern can be adjusted for each LED element. In addition,
The light emission control time may be set by light emission pattern information (a program stored in the ROM 134), and may be adjusted such that an output stop signal to the light emission control device is output by the program when a predetermined time has elapsed.

The light emitting unit 10 is provided with each light source (each L
The intermittent ON of the ED elements 2, 4, and 6 (see FIG. 14)
By changing the duty ratio between the light-on time and the light-off time by turning off the light, adjusting the apparent light amount from each light source, and changing the mixing ratio of each color light according to the light amount from each light source, the mixed light that is illuminated The gaming machine light emitting device can be configured such that the color of light is changed. FIG.
FIG. 25 illustrates a method of adjusting the mixed light.

As shown in FIG. 22, assuming that the length of one cycle of lighting / extinguishing is T, T is set to about 0.5 microsecond to 20 millisecond (300 microsecond in this embodiment). Is good. If T exceeds 20 milliseconds, the apparent continuous lighting state is lost, and light emission flicker tends to occur. On the other hand,
T of less than 0.5 microseconds becomes difficult to control with the clock frequency of a general-purpose 8-bit (or 16-bit) microprocessor, and if a higher-performance microprocessor is used, a rise in price is unavoidable.

On the other hand, in order for the mixed luminescent color to appear to change almost continuously with time, the unit of change of the lighting time (or the extinction time) (which reflects the number of steps of light quantity change). Is represented by the number of divisions in one cycle T,
It is preferable to have about 65536 steps (256 steps in this embodiment). As described above, the light emitting unit 10 adjusts the apparent light quantity from each light source by changing the duty ratio between the lighting time and the light extinction time by intermittently turning on and off each LED element as the light source, and By changing the mixing ratio of the light of each color according to the amount of light, the color of the illuminated mixed light is changed. By doing so, it is possible to control the apparent light amount extremely easily and freely only by performing high-speed switching of each LED element,
Adjustment of the mixing ratio of light of each color is also as desired. Further, the above-described method can easily realize software processing by a microprocessor (for example, the waveform generation microcomputer 123) without using a complicated control interface. As a result, the light-emitting unit 10 and the device configuration attached to the light-emitting unit 10 can be simplified, and the light-emitting device 1 for a game machine can be made compact, and complicated light-emission control can be freely performed. .

This embodiment employs a method of changing the apparent (or average light amount) of the LED by changing the duty ratio of the lighting time / light-out time according to the waveform signal from the waveform generating microcomputer 123. (Note that “light-off” in this specification means that the light amount level drops below a certain level and there is a light amount difference from the light-on state.
It does not necessarily mean complete turn-off). In this case, if it is desired to maintain the amount of emitted light, control may be performed to repeat the ON / OFF cycle for a designated time. According to this, all the light quantity control of the LED can be performed in a software manner by the microprocessor (waveform generation microcomputer 123), which greatly contributes to downsizing and cost reduction of the unit. Further, by using the waveform generation circuit 141 without using the waveform generation microcomputer 123 as shown in FIG. 19B, an inexpensive circuit configuration can be achieved. FIGS. 20 and 21 are explanatory diagrams in the case where such a waveform generation circuit (for example, an oscillation circuit) is used.

For example, FIG. 20A has an oscillating circuit, and sinusoidal voltage generating circuits 151a, 151b which also serve as voltage waveform adjusting means and voltage adjusting means (also serve as waveform generating circuit 141 and voltage generating circuit 143). , 151c (hereinafter, also referred to as signal generation circuits 151a, 151b, 151c or collectively referred to as a sine wave voltage generation circuit 151),
Connected to D element. By changing the applied voltage generated in each LED element in a sinusoidal manner, each LE
The amount of light emitted from the D element is gradually increased and decreased. In addition, each LED
The sine wave voltages generated in the elements are shifted in phase. Thereby, a full-color gradation can be realized. With such a light emission control device having an oscillation circuit, the device can be made lightweight and compact, and can be extremely easily installed in a game machine, leading to cost reduction.

FIG. 20 (b) shows a sine wave voltage generation circuit 151a, 151b, 151c as a signal generation circuit for each L
An output selection circuit 152 is connected to the ED element and serves as a voltage adjusting means for selecting an output from the sine wave voltage generation circuit 151. FIG. 21 shows an example of the circuit configuration. These adjust the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit by independently selecting or independently adjusting the individual outputs connected to each LED element by the output selection circuit 152. For example, gradations excluding B can be realized by selecting only R and G outputs by the output selection circuit, and a single color gradation can be realized by selecting only R outputs. The output selection circuit independently adjusts the output values of R, G, and B (for example, the output values of the switches 153a, 153b, and 153c based on an output selection signal from an output signal generation unit (not shown) connected to the port 154). May be adjusted). As a result, a variety of light emission patterns are generated. Therefore, the device can be made lightweight and compact, and various types of light emitting patterns can be generated while reducing costs.

As described above, the game machine light emission control device 122 receives the selection command signal (for example, event information) for designating the light emission control pattern to be selected in order to control the light emission drive of the game machine light emission device 1. The waveform generation microcomputer 123 serving as a selection command signal input unit, and the input selection command signal, refer to different light emission control patterns from one another.
Light-emission control means (waveform generation microcomputer 123 and D / A converter 12) for controlling the light-emission of the gaming machine light-emitting device based on the selected light-emission control pattern.
5 applies).

By attaching the above-described control device to the game machine (for example, by attaching it to a separate board 131 so that the control device can be externally attached), the main control unit 100 of the game machine can use the selection command signal input unit of the device. For example, reach and jackpot and other command signal input (input of event information)
This makes it possible to easily realize a mode in which the light emission control of the gaming machine light emitting device of the present invention mounted on the gaming machine is accurately performed in accordance with the operation state of the gaming machine. Therefore, the light emitting device 1 for gaming machines can be given versatility, and the light emission control means can easily create and change the light emission pattern.

FIG. 23 is a schematic timing chart showing an example of a control pattern based on the duty ratio. H indicates a lighting state, and L indicates a non-lighting state. In this example, a green LED element (hereinafter, also simply referred to as green (or G)) and a blue LED element (hereinafter, also simply referred to as blue (or B)) are turned on continuously (hereinafter, simply referred to as red (or R)). First, the duty ratio is gradually reduced. As a result, the mixed color of R, G, and B passes through light blue, and becomes light blue, which is an even mixed color of G and B when R is turned off. Then from here G
The lighting duty ratio is gradually reduced. This gives R,
The mixed color of G and B passes through light blue, and blue (B)
Is turned on. In this manner, the light-emitting unit 10 appears to change its mixed luminescent color seemingly continuously by this processing, and can enhance fashionability.

As described above, by changing the duty ratio, the apparent light amount is adjusted, and by changing the mixing ratio of each color light in accordance with the light amount from each light source, it is possible to change the color of the illuminated mixed light. Therefore, the device configuration of the light emitting unit can be simplified, and the light emitting device for gaming machines can be made compact.

Note that, as shown in FIG.
The elements (the blue LED element 2, the green LED element 4, and the red LED element 6) connect the common anode terminal 35 as a power supply terminal to the power supply, and connect the external cathode terminals 32, 33, and 34 as individual control terminals. By connecting to the waveform generation microcomputer 123 as switching control means, the light emission amount of each color LED element is controlled independently by the duty ratio by the switching control means. By doing so, the effect of individually generating the light emission pattern can be achieved, and the circuit configuration required for achieving the effect is not complicated, which leads to simplification of the device, cost reduction, and the like.

Further, another example of the light emitting pattern will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. 24 and 25
In the graph, the duty ratio is plotted on the vertical axis, and the elapsed time is plotted on the horizontal axis. For example, the graph shown in FIG.
Various emission colors are generated by adjusting the emission of all the three LED elements. Further, the duty ratio of each LED element gradually increases or decreases, so that the emission color does not suddenly change, resulting in a soft emission change.

On the other hand, the light emission change shown in FIG. 24B does not output to the RB LED element, but changes the duty ratio of the G LED element in a pulsed manner. As a result, the color of light emitted from the light emitting unit 10 can be made a single color of green, and the change is a rapid change in light emission (that is, blinking). FIG. 25A shows an example of gradation using only R and B, and FIG. 25B shows an example of gradation of R single color. By adjusting the duty ratio in this manner, various light emission patterns can be generated, and various decoration modes can be obtained.

Further, such a change in the light emission mode can be used in accordance with an event to occur. For example, when the winning opening is awarded, G is turned on as shown in FIG. 25B, and when the reach state is reached, FIG.
The game state can be notified by changing the light emission pattern from the light emitting unit 10 and changing the decoration mode, such as light emission by RB gradation as shown in FIG. Therefore, a gaming machine having a very high interest can be provided.

Further, as described above, according to the present invention, the above-described light emitting device 1 for a game machine, the light emission control device 122 for a game machine, and a selection command signal to be input to the light emission control device 122 for a game machine in accordance with a game state. Peripheral control circuit 120 as selection command signal output means for outputting
By outputting the selection command signal to the gaming machine light emission control device 122 in association with the gaming state by the use of 20, the gaming machine light emission control device 122 can control the gaming machine light emitting device 1 according to the gaming state. Become. Further, the light emitting device 1 for a gaming machine makes it possible to suggest a gaming state to a player, and the decorativeness of the light emitting device 1 is extremely high, so that the gaming machine becomes interesting for the player.

Although the windmill 44 is used as an example of the accessory main body of the present invention in FIG. 1, it is not limited to this. For example, in the gaming machine shown in FIG. 15, the light emitting unit 10 can be configured by providing the light emitting unit 10 in various portions (accessories). The frame lamp 42, the side lamp 48, the holding lamp 46, the winning opening 49, the start-up. The light emitting unit 10 inside or near the mouth 50, the winning opening 52, etc.
And a light emitting device for a game machine.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a light emitting device for a game machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an example of a back support.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a substrate.

FIG. 5 is a diagram in which a light emitting unit and terminal terminals are mounted on a substrate.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a modified example of the back support.

7 is a diagram showing an example of a rotating shaft applied to the back support of FIG. 6, and a side sectional view showing an example of a light emitting device for a game machine using the same.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a light emitting device for a game machine of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a modification of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a usage example of the gaming machine light emitting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a decoration mode.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating light scattering.

FIG. 13 is a diagram in which an uneven pattern is formed as light scattering means.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a light emitting unit.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a gaming machine on which a light emitting device for a gaming machine is installed.

16 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the gaming machine of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram for explaining a part of the configuration of FIG. 16 in detail;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of light emission control of the light emitting device for gaming machine.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a partial configuration example of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a partial configuration example of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration example of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a lighting / light-off cycle in duty ratio control.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing an example of control for changing the mixed emission color by controlling the duty ratio of the light source emission amount.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a control example of a duty ratio.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of duty ratio control.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 light emitting device for gaming machine 10 light emitting unit 11 substrate 12 base 19 rotating body 20 rotating shaft 24 a engaging projection (base side engaging portion) 44 windmill 60 gaming machine 61 substrate cover (back support, rotation shaft fixing member) 69 Back support side engaging portion 70 Engaging recess

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kanehisa Kanehisa 1-4-1006 Nagano, Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture (72) Inventor Yoshiaki Ushijima 1-3-3 Itakuracho, Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture F-term (reference) 2C088 BC25 DA07

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A base mounted on a board of a game board, a base having a light source, and a light emitting unit for irradiating light from the light source as irradiation light, and a base provided with a rotating shaft. A rotating body that rotates in response to contact of a flowing game ball, wherein the substrate is fixed by supporting an outer edge of the substrate between the base and a back support that supports the substrate from the back. Gaming machine light emitting device. 2. A base-side engaging portion formed on the back support and / or the base to fix the substrate relatively non-rotatably about an axis with respect to the base. The pair of mating substrate-side engaging portions is provided at one position or at a plurality of positions arranged in the circumferential direction at the outer edge of the substrate, and the engagement of these pairs prevents rotation of the substrate around an axis. Light emitting device for gaming machines. 3. A base mounted on a game board, a base having a light source, and a light emitting unit for irradiating light from the light source as irradiation light, and a base mounted on the base via a rotating shaft. A rotating body that rotates in response to contact of a flowing game ball, and engages with the base-side engaging portion to fix the substrate relatively non-rotatably around the axis with respect to the base. A pair with the board side engaging portion is provided at one place or a plurality of places arranged in the circumferential direction at the outer edge of the board, and the board is formed with an insertion hole through which the rotation shaft is inserted at a substantially central position of the board surface. Along with the insertion hole, one light-emitting unit is mounted on each side of the insertion hole so as to be arranged side by side with the insertion hole interposed therebetween. End of wiring toward light emitting unit Game machine for a light-emitting device characterized by terminal terminal portions collectively arranged are formed. 4. A base provided on a board of a game board, and a plurality of LEDs having different luminescent colors integrated with or separate from the base.
A light emitting unit (hereinafter, referred to as a light emitting unit) in which ED light sources are collectively arranged to emit different mixed light according to the light emission intensity of each LED light source.
A composite light-emitting unit), and a rotating body attached to the base with a rotating shaft and rotated by contact of a flowing game ball, wherein the composite light-emitting unit is provided with the rotary shaft insertion hole. The composite light-emitting units are provided on both sides with a common power supply terminal connected to a power supply with one terminal of an anode or a cathode of each LED element being connected in common, and the other terminal is provided with both composite light-emitting terminals. A gaming machine, characterized in that the LED elements that emit the same color light of the unit are connected to the common connection for each color for common connection for each color, and the common connection for each color is provided in a non-intersecting manner on one side of the substrate. Light emitting device.