JP2004321436A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine wherein the size of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of reels can be made larger than that of a conventional one, and for which the reels can be manufactured at low cost. <P>SOLUTION: In this slot machine, a plurality of the reels (32) which are arranged in the lateral direction are respectively equipped with a reel body section (cylindrical section 32a) on which the symbol SB is displayed, and a rib (32b) which is radially arranged from the rotating center of the reel body section, and with the rotating center of which, the output shaft (34a) of a motor is connected. The reel body section has a taper (α) to the central axis of the reel body section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly, to a slot machine capable of increasing the size of a symbol drawn on an outer peripheral surface of a reel as compared with a conventional one, and capable of producing a reel at low cost.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional slot machine, a plurality of reels each having a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols represented at predetermined intervals on an outer peripheral surface are rotatably arranged side by side in the center of the main body (a reel unit and a reel unit). ), And constitutes a variable display unit. Then, the symbol of each reel can be visually recognized from the player through the display window on the front of the main body.
[0003]
6A and 6B show an example of a conventional reel-related configuration. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a reel unit, and FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of a single reel (reel block).
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the reel unit 100 includes three reels 101 (101a, 101b, and 101c) each having an outer peripheral surface on which a symbol row including a plurality of types of symbols is drawn. It becomes.
[0004]
Inside the three reels 101 (101a, 101b, 101c), motors 102 (102a, 102b, 102c, but only 102a are shown) are arranged, and operation of a stop button provided for each reel is performed. As a result, each reel is stopped.
[0005]
The motors 102 (102a, 102b, 102c) are fixed to motor mounting plates 103 (103a, 103b, 103c), respectively. The motor mounting plate 103 is fixed to the reel unit side plate 104, and accommodates three reels 101, three motors 102, and the like inside the reel unit side plate 104.
[0006]
In the conventional reel unit 100, a gap is provided between the reels because of the structure in which the motor mounting plate and the like are interposed, and this gap is covered by end covers 105a and 105b and intermediate covers 106a and 106b. Each end cover and the intermediate cover have a width larger than the width of the gap so that the left and right gaps of each reel are sufficiently hidden (Patent Document 1).
As shown in FIG. 7, on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 101, a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols SB represented at a predetermined interval is drawn. The symbol SB is visually recognized by the player via the display window 112 of the slot machine.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-114130 (page 3, FIG. 2-4)
[0008]
When the player plays a game, the player inserts a game medal into the slot of the slot machine, rotates each reel arranged in three horizontal rows, sequentially stops the reels by pressing the stop button, and after stopping. A predetermined game medal is awarded in accordance with a combination of symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel.
[0009]
In this case, the player predicts the stop position and presses the stop button so as to be at the stop position of the winning symbol (for example, the symbol of "7" in the horizontal row). The larger the size of the symbol SB is, the easier it is to stop at the imagined stop position, and the power of the game (game) also increases.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as is clear from FIG. 7, since the end covers 105a and 105b and the intermediate covers 106a and 106b must be provided, the size (width) of the symbols has to be reduced.
Further, in the conventional reel 101a, a film-shaped cylindrical portion for drawing a symbol and a rib for attaching an output shaft of a motor are separately formed, and then the cylindrical portion and the rib are bonded and fixed. Was hanging extra.
[0011]
The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and the size of the symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel can be made larger than before, and the reel can be produced at low cost. The purpose is to provide a simple slot machine.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed are arranged in a horizontal direction, and the plurality of reels are arbitrarily rotated and stopped by a player's operation, When the reels are stopped and symbols on a predetermined winning line connecting the reels are arranged in a predetermined winning combination, in a slot machine in which medals according to the combination are paid out, a plurality of the horizontal arrangements are performed. (A), (b) and 32 in FIG. 3), a reel body (cylindrical portion 32a in FIG. 3) on which the symbol (SB in FIG. 2 (a)) is displayed, A rib (32b in FIG. 3) is provided radially from the rotation center of the reel body, and is connected to the output shaft (34a in FIGS. 2B and 3) of the rotation center. The reel body is It is constituted comprising a taper (alpha) relative Lumpur body portion central axis (indicated by a chain line in Figure 2 (b)).
[0013]
In this way, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4, the reel main bodies can be arranged close to each other, and the end cover and the intermediate cover (see FIG. 6) are unnecessary. Therefore, the symbol SB can be drawn large.
[0014]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to the first aspect, a plurality of reels (32 in FIGS. 2A and 2B) each having the tapered reel body portion are arranged in a horizontal direction. In this case (reel unit RU1), when viewed from the player side facing the slot machine (the player's eyes I), they are arranged so as to be linear.
[0015]
In this way, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the symbol SB can be drawn large, and when the reel unit RU1 is viewed from the direction of the eye I of the player, Since the surface of the reel body on which the symbol SB is drawn appears to be aligned in a straight line, the player does not feel uncomfortable when viewing the symbol SB.
[0016]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to the first aspect, when a plurality of reels (32 in FIG. 4) each having the tapered reel body portion are arranged laterally (reel unit). RU2), when viewed from the side of the player facing the slot machine (the player's eyes I), the taper is arranged in the same direction.
[0017]
In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the rib side and the opening side of the reel body can be arranged so as to partially overlap, so that the conventional cover is not required and the symbol SB is drawn large. It becomes possible.
[0018]
Further, in the invention according to claim 4, a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed are arranged in a horizontal direction, and the plurality of reels are arbitrarily rotated and stopped by a player's operation, and all reels are stopped. When the symbols on a predetermined winning line connecting the reels are arranged in a predetermined winning combination, in the slot machine in which medals according to the combination are paid out, each of the plurality of reels arranged in the horizontal direction is (32 and 32A in FIG. 5), a reel main body on which the symbols are displayed, and a rib radially arranged from the rotation center of the reel main body and connected to the output shaft of the motor. The reel body has a taper with respect to the center axis of the reel body (the cylindrical portion 32a in FIG. 5) and a taper parallel to the center axis (see FIG. 5). Circle It is constituted to include both a part 32Aa).
[0019]
In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the reel body portion having no taper can be arranged so that the opening side and the rib side of the reel body portion having no taper partially overlap the opening portion of the reel body portion having a taper. The conventional cover is not required, and the symbol SB can be drawn large.
[0020]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to the fourth aspect, the laterally arranged reels comprise three reels, and a central reel among the three reels is positioned with respect to the central axis. The reel is provided with a parallel reel body, and the left and right reels are provided with a reel body having a taper with respect to the central axis.
[0021]
In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the reel body portion having no taper can be arranged so that the opening side and the rib side of the reel body portion having no taper partially overlap the opening portion of the reel body portion having a taper. The conventional cover is not required, and the symbol SB can be drawn large.
[0022]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine of the first to fifth aspects, the reel including the tapered reel body and the rib is formed integrally.
[0023]
In this way, for example, the cylindrical portion 32a of the reel 32 shown in FIG. 3 has a taper, and thus can be integrally formed of resin. Therefore, the reel 32 can be manufactured at low cost.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a “slot machine” of the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiment. FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine SM using each embodiment described below.
[0025]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a front panel, 12 denotes a display window for displaying a hit or a miss by a stopped symbol arrangement, and a reel unit (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) is provided inside the display window 12. Install (described later).
A start button 13 starts the rotation of the reel. Reference numeral 14 denotes a stop button for stopping the rotation of the reel. The stop button 14 includes a left reel stop button 14a for stopping the left reel, a center reel stop button 14b, and a right reel stop button 14c.
[0026]
Reference numeral 15 denotes a medal insertion slot, and reference numeral 16 denotes a medal credit display section for displaying how many inserted medals are stored.
Reference numeral 17 denotes a MAX input button, which is a switch for normally designating a three-sheet BET.
Reference numeral 18 (18a, 18b) denotes a speaker for generating a sound effect, 19 denotes a winning medal payout slot, and 21 denotes a state display section for displaying a game state during a big hit.
[0027]
(2) First Embodiment FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a reel unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2 (a) is a front view, and FIG. 2 (b) is a cross section taken along line II-II. FIG. 3 is a plan view and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the reel block.
As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, the reel unit RU1 has three reel blocks RB attached to one reel unit side plate 31.
The side surface shape of the reel unit side plate 31 as viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2B is L-shaped, and includes a bottom plate 31a and a back plate 31b.
[0028]
The three reel blocks RB have the same configuration. The reel block RB includes a reel 32, a motor mounting plate 33, a motor 34, and an illumination box 35.
The reel 32 includes a short cylindrical portion 32a made of a light-transmitting resin, and five ribs 32b on one end side of the cylindrical portion 32a. The cylindrical portion 32a has a taper α with respect to the horizontal line H (see FIG. 2B). The horizontal line H coincides with the lower end portions of the three reels 32 arranged in a straight line in FIG. 2B.
[0029]
Therefore, when the symbols SB of the reels are viewed from the position of the eye I of the player, they are arranged on the plane without any irregularities. That is, similarly to the state shown in FIG. 7, the player can see the symbol SB without feeling uncomfortable.
32c is an output shaft fixing hole for fixing an output shaft 34a (described later) of the motor.
[0030]
Further, when the reel 32 is manufactured, the taper α can be a taper of a die (not shown), so that the cylindrical portion 32a and the rib 32b can be integrally formed of resin. .
On the other hand, in the conventional reel 101a (see FIG. 6B), a film-shaped cylindrical portion and a rib are separately manufactured, and then the cylindrical portion and the rib are bonded and fixed. Extra work was required. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the reel 32 can be manufactured at lower cost than in the conventional example.
[0031]
A plurality of symbols SB constituting a symbol of the slot machine are drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 32a of the reel. As shown in FIG. 2A, on the outer peripheral surface of each reel, a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols SB represented at predetermined intervals is drawn, and three consecutive symbols in this symbol row are displayed. The SB is visually recognized by the player via the display window 12 of the slot machine. This symbol SB can be printed directly on the surface of the cylindrical portion 32a. In addition, the symbol SB can be formed by providing irregularities, and in this case, the performance can be further enhanced.
Note that the symbol SB may be printed on a sticker in advance, and the sticker may be attached. Alternatively, the symbol SB may be printed on a heat-shrinkable hoop (tube) in advance, and after being attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 32a, the symbol SB may be heated and adhered.
[0032]
The motor mounting plate 33 has a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section, and has a folded portion 33a on the upper side for fixing to the back plate 31b. A gap 33b is formed by the folded portion 33a.
The motor 34 is fixed to the center of the motor mounting plate 33. Further, the lighting box 35 is fixed to the lower side of the motor mounting plate 33. The illumination box 35 is provided with illumination for clearly raising the symbol SB.
[0033]
Then, in a state where the cylindrical portion 32a of the reel is inserted into the gap 33b of the motor mounting plate and the illumination box 35 is covered from the outside, the distal end of the output shaft 34a of the motor is inserted into the output shaft fixing hole 32c of the reel 32. And fixed with screws (not shown).
At this time, in order for the reel 32 to rotate smoothly, the cylindrical portion 32a is fixed to the motor mounting plate 33 and the illumination box 35 with the screws so as not to come into contact.
[0034]
FIGS. 2A and 2B show a state in which the reel block RB is configured as described above, and the folded portion 33a of the motor mounting plate is fixed to the rear plate 31b of the reel unit side plate.
[0035]
That is, as described above, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the center axis of the reel block RB forms a taper α with respect to the rear plate 31b of the reel unit side plate. The lower surface of the reel 32 forms a straight line. Therefore, when the player looks at the symbol SB through the display window 12 (see FIG. 2A), the symbol SB can be viewed in the same manner as in the conventional example (see FIG. 7), and in the conventional example. Since the end cover and the intermediate cover, which have been required, are unnecessary, the symbol SB can be drawn large.
Therefore, the player can play a powerful game while watching the large symbol SB.
[0036]
(3) Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a reel unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The cut end of the cross section is along the line II-II shown in FIG. 4, the reel unit side plate, the motor mounting plate, and the lighting box are omitted.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 4, the reel unit RU2 fixes the three reels 32 to a reel unit side plate 31 (not shown) so that the ribs 32b enter the openings 32d of the cylindrical portion.
[0038]
In the configuration of the present embodiment, when the symbol array is viewed from the direction of the eye I of the player, the symbols cannot be viewed in a state where the symbols are arranged flat.
Therefore, an optical member (a lens or the like) may be arranged on the player's eye I side so that the symbols of the three reels appear flat. Further, the left side of each symbol may be drawn slightly larger so as to look flat.
[0039]
(4) Third Embodiment FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a reel unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The cut end of the cross section is along the line II-II shown in FIG. 4, the reel unit side plate, the motor mounting plate, and the lighting box are omitted.
[0040]
In FIG. 5, the left and right reels 32 of the reel unit RU3 are the same as the reels used in the first and second embodiments, but the central reel 32A is different.
That is, the cylindrical portion 32Aa of the reel 32A does not have a taper, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 32Aa is smaller than the opening 32d of the reel, and the opening 32Ab side is inclined inward like the rib side. The left and right inclination is performed in order to prevent the motor mounting plate (not shown) from contacting the reels 32 and 32A.
[0041]
The preferred embodiment of the slot machine of the present invention has been described above. However, the slot machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that it is possible.
For example, in the configuration of the third embodiment described above, when the symbol array is viewed from the direction of the eye I of the player, the symbols cannot be viewed in a state where the symbols are arranged flat.
Therefore, an optical member (a lens or the like) may be arranged on the player's eye I side so that the symbols of the three reels appear flat. Further, the left side of each symbol of the left reel 32 may be drawn slightly larger and the right side of each symbol of the right reel 32 may be drawn slightly larger so as to look flat.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the slot machine of the present invention, the following effects can be exerted.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4, the reel bodies can be arranged close to each other, and the end cover and the intermediate cover (FIG. ) Is unnecessary, so that the symbol SB can be drawn large.
[0043]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the symbol SB can be drawn large, and the reel unit RU can be viewed from the direction of the eye I of the player. In this case, the surface of the reel body on which the symbol SB is drawn appears to be aligned in a straight line, so that the player does not feel uncomfortable when viewing the symbol SB.
[0044]
According to the third aspect of the invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the rib side and the opening side of the reel main body can be arranged so as to partially overlap, so that the conventional cover is not required, and the symbol SB can be drawn large.
[0045]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 4, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the opening side of the reel body portion having no taper and the rib side partially overlap the opening portion of the tapered reel body portion. Since they can be arranged, the conventional cover is not required, and the symbols SB can be drawn large.
[0046]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the opening side of the tapered reel body part and the rib side partially overlap the tapered reel body part opening. Since they can be arranged, the conventional cover is not required, and the symbols SB can be drawn large.
[0047]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the cylindrical portion 32a of the reel 32 shown in FIG. 3, for example, has a taper, it can be integrally formed of resin. Therefore, the reel 32 can be manufactured at low cost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine using each embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are enlarged views of the reel unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional plan view taken along line II-II.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the reel block in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a reel unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a reel unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an example showing a configuration related to a conventional reel, in which (a) is a perspective view of a reel unit, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of a reel alone (reel block).
FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example of symbol sizes drawn on the outer peripheral surface of a conventional reel.
[Explanation of symbols]
SM slot machine SB symbol RU1, RU2, RU3 reel unit RB reel block α taper I player's eye 11 front panel 12 display window 13 start button 14 stop button 14a left reel stop button 14b center reel stop button 14c right reel stop button 15 Medal slot 16 Medal credit display section 17 MAX slot button 18 (18a, 18b) Speaker 19 for generating sound effect Winning medal payout slot 21 Status display section 31 Reel unit side plate 31a Bottom plate 31b Back plate 32, 32A Reel 32a, 32Aa Cylinder Portion 32b Rib 32c Output shaft fixing holes 32d, 32Ab Opening 33 Motor mounting plate 33a Folded portion 33b Gap 34 Motor 34a Motor output shaft 35 Lighting box 100 Conventional reel unit 01 (101a, 101b, 101c) reel 102 (102a) motor 103 (103a, 103b, 103c) motor mounting plate 104 reel side plates 105a, 105b end cover 106a, 106b intermediate cover

Claims (6)

A plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed are arranged in a horizontal direction, and the plurality of reels are arbitrarily rotated and stopped by a player's operation. When the symbols on the line are arranged in a predetermined winning combination, in a slot machine in which medals according to the combination are paid out,
Each of the plurality of reels arranged in the horizontal direction has a reel body on which the symbol is displayed, and a rib arranged radially from a rotation center of the reel body, and an output shaft of a motor connected to the rotation center. And
The reel machine according to claim 1, wherein the reel body has a taper with respect to a center axis of the reel body. The slot machine according to claim 1,
When a plurality of reels having a tapered reel body portion are arranged in a horizontal direction, they are arranged so as to be linear when viewed from a player facing the slot machine. Slot machine. The slot machine according to claim 1,
The reel including the tapered reel body portion is characterized in that, when a plurality of reels are arranged in the horizontal direction, the taper is arranged in the same direction as viewed from the player facing the slot machine. And a slot machine. A plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed are arranged in a horizontal direction, and the plurality of reels are arbitrarily rotated and stopped by a player's operation. When the symbols on the line are arranged in a predetermined winning combination, in a slot machine in which medals according to the combination are paid out,
Each of the plurality of reels arranged in the horizontal direction has a reel body on which the symbol is displayed, and a rib arranged radially from a rotation center of the reel body, and an output shaft of a motor connected to the rotation center. And
The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the reel main body includes both a reel having a taper with respect to a central axis of the reel main body and a reel having a taper parallel to the central axis. The slot machine according to claim 4,
The laterally disposed reel comprises three reels, of which the central reel is a reel having a reel body parallel to the central axis, and the left and right reels are the central axis. A slot machine comprising a reel body having a tapered reel body. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A reel comprising a tapered reel body and ribs, the reel being integrally formed.

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