JP4155578B2

JP4155578B2 - Slot machine

Info

Publication number: JP4155578B2
Application number: JP2004185322A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 巧竹森; 雅裕水野; 康博上高
Original assignee: マルホン工業株式会社
Priority date: 2004-06-23
Filing date: 2004-06-23
Publication date: 2008-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2024-06-23
Also published as: JP2006006477A

Description

本発明は、パチンコ機用の遊技球を遊技媒体とするスロットマシンに関する。 The present invention relates to a slot machine using game balls for pachinko machines as game media.

パチンコ機用の遊技球を遊技媒体とするスロットマシンが提案されている。かかるスロットマシンでは、通常、遊技媒体として使用されるメダルの替わりに、遊技球を遊技機に投入することにより回転ドラムを用いた遊技が開始される。すなわち、回転ドラムが回転可能となり、回転した回転ドラムが停止した時に所定の当り態様となると、所定個数の遊技球が遊技者に払い出される。こうしたスロットマシンは、パチンコ機に用いる遊技球を使用して遊技できるため、パチンコ機と併存させて遊技場に備え付けることにより、遊技者は一種類の遊技媒体でパチンコ機とスロットマシンの両方を楽しむことが可能であり、遊技者の利便性を向上させることができる。 Slot machines that use game balls for pachinko machines as game media have been proposed. In such a slot machine, a game using a rotating drum is usually started by inserting a game ball into a game machine instead of a medal used as a game medium. In other words, when the rotating drum becomes rotatable and when the rotated rotating drum is stopped, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player. Since these slot machines can be played using the game balls used for pachinko machines, by installing them together with the pachinko machines in the game hall, players can enjoy both pachinko machines and slot machines with one type of game medium. It is possible to improve the convenience of the player.

また、このスロットマシンは、遊技場のパチンコ機用の遊技島に装着し、パチンコ機用の球供給排出機構を利用させるようにすれば、遊技場にとっても設備を簡略化でき、遊技媒体の管理費も抑制できる。このため、既に提案されている構成は、遊技場のパチンコ機用の遊技島に起立状に配設される外枠と、該外枠の前面開口部を覆う遊技機本体とからなり、パチンコ機用の遊技島から遊技球を好適に受け入れ、使用済みの遊技球を遊技島に排出し得るようになっている（例えば特許文献１、特許文献２）。また、これらのスロットマシンには、既存のパチンコ機同様に、遊技機本体の前面に上下二つの皿部材が設けられており、賞球や貸球等の遊技球を、払出装置から上皿部材の上部貯留領域に払い出すと共に、上部貯留領域が遊技球で満杯の場合には、下皿部材の下部貯留領域に遊技球を払い出して貯留するようにしている。ここで、パチンコ機は、上部貯留領域に遊技球を貯留しておき、貯留した遊技球を、遊技球の発射作動に伴い、発射装置へ順次供給するのに対し、上記スロットマシンは、遊技球を取り込む球取込装置を備え、回転ドラムを用いた遊技を開始する度に、上皿部材の上部貯留領域に貯留した遊技球を、球取込装置によって取り込むようにしている。 In addition, if this slot machine is mounted on a game island for a pachinko machine in the game hall and uses a ball supply / discharge mechanism for the pachinko machine, the facilities for the game hall can be simplified and the management of the game media can be made. Costs can be reduced. For this reason, the configuration already proposed is composed of an outer frame arranged upright on a game island for a pachinko machine in a game hall, and a gaming machine main body that covers the front opening of the outer frame. A game ball is suitably received from a game island for use, and a used game ball can be discharged to the game island (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). In addition, these slot machines, like the existing pachinko machines, are provided with two upper and lower plate members on the front surface of the gaming machine main body, and the game balls such as prize balls and rental balls are transferred from the payout device to the upper plate member When the upper storage area is full of game balls, the game balls are paid out and stored in the lower storage area of the lower dish member. Here, the pachinko machine stores the game balls in the upper storage area, and sequentially supplies the stored game balls to the launching device along with the launch operation of the game balls, whereas the slot machine Each time a game using a rotating drum is started, a game ball stored in the upper storage area of the upper plate member is captured by the ball capturing device.

特公平７−４７０５６号公報Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-47056 特開２００１−２９９９９５号公報JP 2001-299995 A

ところで、上述の上皿部材と下皿部材の構成は、パチンコ機に適合するように種々の工夫がなされたものであるが、上記スロットマシンに流用するといくつかの不具合が生じるため、スロットマシンに適した構成への改良が求められている。例えば、通常、上部貯留領域及び下部貯留領域は上方に開放しており、上部貯留領域の遊技球が不足した時に、下部貯留領域に貯留された遊技球を、遊技者が手ずから上部貯留領域に移し替えて、遊技球を補充するようになっているが、パチンコ機では、遊技操作のほとんどがハンドルの回動操作により行われ、遊技操作が極めて簡単であるのに対し、スロットマシンは遊技操作が比較的複雑であり、かかる遊技球の補充作業と遊技操作を同時には行い難く、遊技球を上部貯留領域に補充する度に遊技を中断しなくてはならないという問題がある。 By the way, the structure of the upper plate member and the lower plate member described above has been devised in various ways so as to be suitable for a pachinko machine. There is a need for improvements to suitable configurations. For example, normally, the upper storage area and the lower storage area are opened upward, and when the game balls in the upper storage area run short, the player moves the game balls stored in the lower storage area to the upper storage area without hand. Instead, the game ball is replenished, but in the pachinko machine, most of the game operation is performed by turning the handle, and the game operation is very simple, whereas in the slot machine, the game operation is There is a problem that it is relatively complicated, and it is difficult to perform the game ball replenishment operation and the game operation at the same time, and the game must be interrupted each time the game ball is replenished to the upper storage area.

発明者は、かかる問題を解決する構成として、遊技球を上部貯留領域へ払い出す払出装置と、上部貯留領域の遊技球を下部貯留領域へ流下させる連絡通路と、下皿部材に形成され、下部貯留領域の遊技球が流出する取込口と、取込口と連通し、下部貯留領域から流出する遊技球を、所定個数を一単位として取り込む球取込装置とを備えた構成を提案している。かかる構成にあっては、上部貯留領域からではなく下部貯留領域から遊技球を取り込み、下部貯留領域が満杯となった際に、上部貯留領域に余剰の遊技球を貯留する。従って、下部貯留領域の遊技球が不足した時には、上部貯留領域の遊技球を下部貯留領域に流下させるだけで補充できるため、遊技者の手によって遊技球を移し替える手間を要せず、遊技操作を行いながらでも遊技球の補充作業を行うことができる。 The inventor is configured to solve such a problem, a payout device for paying out the game balls to the upper storage area, a communication passage for flowing the game balls in the upper storage area to the lower storage area, and a lower plate member, Proposing a structure including a take-in port from which a game ball in the storage area flows out, and a ball take-in device that communicates with the intake port and takes in a predetermined number of game balls that flow out from the lower storage area as a unit Yes. In such a configuration, game balls are taken from the lower storage area instead of the upper storage area, and when the lower storage area becomes full, surplus game balls are stored in the upper storage area. Therefore, when there is a shortage of game balls in the lower storage area, the game balls in the upper storage area can be replenished by simply flowing down to the lower storage area, so that it is not necessary to transfer the game balls by the player's hands, and the game operation The game ball can be replenished even while performing.

また、遊技場では一般的にメダル一枚の価値よりも遊技球一個の価値が低く扱われるため、遊技の開始には複数個の遊技球が必要であり、球取込装置の一作動により、遊技開始に必要な数の遊技球を取り込むようにしているが、かかる構成では、貯留する遊技球が必要数に満たない場合に対処する機構が必要となる。とりあえず球取込装置に取り込んでから、取り込んだ遊技球数の確認をして、必要数に満たなければ返却するという構成も提案されているが、これでは取込時間・返却時間が無駄であり、極めて非効率である。このため、下部貯留領域に取込口へと至る細長形状の整流通路を形成し、球取込装置に取り込まれる前に遊技球を整流通路に整列させると共に、整流通路に整列球検知手段を設け、整流通路に必要個数以上の遊技球が整列しているか否かを検知可能とすることが提案している。すなわち、かかる構成によれば、球取込装置により遊技球を取り込む前に、遊技球が必要数以上あるか否かを確認できるため、必要数に満たない場合に取込みを行わなければ、遊技球を返却する手間を省くことができる。ここで、整流通路の遊技球数を正確に検知するためには、整流通路に遊技球が常に規則正しく整列していることが必要である。しかしながら、従来の下皿部材は、遊技機外の球箱から遊技球を投入できるように下部貯留領域を上方に開放しているため、遊技者が遊技球を移し替える際に、整流通路の上に遊技球を零してしまうことも考えられ、整流通路の遊技球の整列状態を乱すことなく好適に維持できる構成が求められている。 In addition, since the value of one game ball is generally handled lower than the value of one medal at a game hall, a plurality of game balls are required to start a game. A number of game balls necessary for starting a game are taken in. However, in such a configuration, a mechanism for dealing with a case where the number of game balls to be stored is less than the required number is required. For the time being, it has been proposed to check the number of game balls that have been taken in and then return it if it is less than the required number, but in this case, the take-in time and return time are wasted. , Extremely inefficient. For this reason, an elongated rectifying passage leading to the intake port is formed in the lower storage area, and the game balls are aligned with the rectifying passage before being taken into the ball take-in device, and an alignment ball detecting means is provided in the rectifying passage. It has been proposed that it is possible to detect whether or not more than the required number of game balls are aligned in the rectifying passage. That is, according to this configuration, it is possible to confirm whether or not there are more than the required number of game balls before taking in the game balls with the ball take-in device. This saves you the trouble of returning the item. Here, in order to accurately detect the number of game balls in the rectifying passage, it is necessary that the game balls are always regularly arranged in the rectifying passage. However, since the conventional lower plate member opens the lower storage area upward so that the game ball can be thrown from the ball box outside the game machine, when the player moves the game ball, In other words, it is conceivable that the game balls are zeroed, and there is a demand for a configuration that can be suitably maintained without disturbing the alignment state of the game balls in the rectifying passage.

本発明は、かかる現状に鑑みてなされたものであり、遊技球を遊技媒体とするスロットマシンにあって、下部貯留領域に形成した整流通路に遊技球を安定して整列させ、正確で効率的な遊技球の取込みを簡単に実現し得る構成の提供を目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the present situation, and is a slot machine using a game ball as a game medium, wherein the game ball is stably aligned with a rectifying passage formed in a lower storage region, and is accurate and efficient. An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration that can easily implement a game ball.

本発明は、遊技島に起立状に配設される外枠と、該外枠の前面開口部を覆う遊技機本体とからなり、パチンコ機用の遊技球を遊技媒体とするスロットマシンにおいて、
遊技機本体の前面に設けられ、遊技球を貯留する上方に開放した上部貯留領域を有する上皿部材と、
該上皿部材の下方に設けられ、遊技球を貯留する下部貯留領域を有する下皿部材と、
遊技球を上部貯留領域へ払い出す払出装置と、
上部貯留領域の遊技球を下部貯留領域へ流下させる連絡通路と、
下皿部材に形成され、下部貯留領域の遊技球が流出する取込口と、
該取込口と連通し、遊技開始に必要な数の遊技球を、下部貯留領域から取り込む球取込装置と
を備え、
下部貯留領域を、連絡通路から遊技球が流入して滞留する滞留領域と、滞留領域の遊技球が流入して整列する細長形状の整流通路とに区画して、
該整流通路の下流端部位置に取込口を形成し、
整流通路に所定数以上の遊技球が整列しているか否かを検知する整列球検知手段を設け、
さらに、上皿部材と下皿部材とを、該両部材間からの下部貯留領域への遊技球の投入を不可能とする程度に近接配置して、下部貯留領域の全域を上皿部材により上方から遮蔽すると共に、
遊技機本体の前面を覆うように枢着された前扉の前面に上皿部材を取り付け、
前扉の直下で遊技機本体の前面下部を覆うように、下皿部材が固定された取付パネルを取り付けることにより、前扉を前方に回動すると、下皿部材の下部貯留領域が開放されるようにしたことを特徴とするスロットマシンである。 The present invention comprises an outer frame arranged upright on a game island and a gaming machine main body that covers a front opening of the outer frame, and a slot machine that uses a gaming ball for a pachinko machine as a gaming medium.
An upper plate member provided on the front surface of the gaming machine main body and having an upper storage area opened upward for storing game balls;
A lower plate member provided below the upper plate member and having a lower storage region for storing game balls;
A payout device for paying out game balls to the upper storage area;
A communication passage that causes the game balls in the upper storage area to flow down to the lower storage area;
An intake port formed in the lower plate member and from which the game ball in the lower storage area flows out,
A ball take-in device that communicates with the take-in port and takes in as many game balls as necessary for starting the game from the lower storage area;
The lower storage area is divided into a stay area where game balls flow from the communication passage and stays there, and an elongated rectifying passage where game balls in the stay area flow and align,
An intake port is formed at the downstream end position of the rectifying passage ;
An alignment ball detection means for detecting whether or not a predetermined number or more of game balls are aligned in the rectifying passage,
Further, the upper plate member and the lower plate member are arranged close enough to make it impossible to put the game ball into the lower storage region from between the two members, and the entire upper storage member is moved upward by the upper plate member. While shielding from
Attach an upper plate member to the front of the front door pivotally attached to cover the front of the gaming machine body,
When the front door is rotated forward by attaching a mounting panel to which the lower plate member is fixed so as to cover the lower part of the front surface of the gaming machine main body directly under the front door, the lower storage area of the lower plate member is opened. This is a slot machine characterized by the above.

かかる構成にあっては、近接した上皿部材により整流通路が上方から遮蔽されるため、遊技者が遊技球を手作業により移し替える際に、誤って零れた遊技球が、整流通路に整列した遊技球の上に乗りかかり、整流通路の遊技球の整列状態が撹乱されるのを防止できる。ここで、本発明では、上皿部材により整流通路を遮蔽しているため、整流通路を遮蔽するために新規の部材を設けることなく、整流通路を効率的に遮蔽可能である。また、近接させていても上皿部材と下皿部材は別部材で構成されるため、少なくとも一方を着脱可能や傾動可能とすれば、上皿部材に遮蔽された整流通路を、必要に応じて上方に開放させることもできる。なお、上皿部材による整流通路の遮蔽は、整流通路を上方から完全に閉止するものに限らず、遊技者が零した遊技球が、整流通路に上方から流入して、整列する遊技球の上に積み重ならない程度に遮蔽するものであればよい。 In such a configuration, since the rectifying passage is shielded from above by the adjacent upper plate member, when the player manually moves the game ball, the game balls that have been accidentally spilled are aligned with the rectifying passage. It is possible to prevent the alignment of the game balls in the rectifying passage from being disturbed by getting on the game balls. Here, in the present invention, since the rectification passage is shielded by the upper plate member, the rectification passage can be efficiently shielded without providing a new member for shielding the rectification passage. In addition, since the upper plate member and the lower plate member are configured as separate members even if they are close to each other, if at least one of them is detachable or can be tilted, the rectifying passage shielded by the upper plate member can be changed as necessary. It can also be opened upward. The shielding of the rectifying passage by the upper plate member is not limited to the case where the rectifying passage is completely closed from above. As long as it can be shielded to the extent that it does not stack.

ここで、連絡通路を常に開放し、上部貯留領域から下部貯留領域へ遊技球を無制限に流下可能にすると、上部貯留領域の遊技球は常に下部貯留領域へ流れ込もうとするため、下部貯留領域に流入しようとする遊技球の圧力（球圧）により、下部貯留領域に過剰の遊技球が流入して、整流通路で球詰りが生じたり、遊技球の整列状態が乱れたりする懸念がある。このため、連絡通路を、遊技球が流下可能となる開放位置と流下不可能となる閉鎖位置とに選択的に保持される開閉部材を設け、下部貯留領域の貯留量が所定量以上となると、開閉部材を閉鎖位置に変換し、上部貯留領域からの遊技球の流下を制限することで、下部貯留領域の貯留量を適正範囲に維持することが望ましい。この開閉部材は、遊技者が必要に応じて手動で移動させて、連絡通路を開閉させる構成でも構わないが、下部貯留領域の貯留量に応じて、開閉部材を自動的に開放位置と閉鎖位置に変位させることも可能である。 Here, when the communication passage is always opened and the game balls can flow from the upper storage area to the lower storage area without limitation, the game balls in the upper storage area always try to flow into the lower storage area. Due to the pressure (ball pressure) of the game sphere that is about to flow into, there is a concern that excessive game spheres will flow into the lower storage area, resulting in clogging of the balls in the rectifying passage or disordered alignment of the game balls. For this reason, when the open / close member that is selectively held at the open position where the game ball can flow down and the closed position where the game ball cannot flow down is provided in the communication passage, and the storage amount of the lower storage region is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, It is desirable to maintain the amount of storage in the lower storage area within an appropriate range by converting the opening / closing member to the closed position and restricting the flow of game balls from the upper storage area. The opening / closing member may be configured so that the player manually moves it as necessary to open / close the communication passage. However, the opening / closing member is automatically opened and closed according to the storage amount of the lower storage area. It is also possible to displace it.

一方で、連絡通路を流下する遊技球を制限しても、遊技者によって、下部貯留領域の開放部分から過剰の遊技球が投入されてしまうと、下部貯留領域の下流にあたる整流通路の遊技球に強い球圧が加わることとなり、遊技球の整列状態が撹乱され易い。このため、上皿部材と下皿部材とを、該両部材間からの下部貯留領域への遊技球の投入を不可能又は困難とする程度に近接配置して、下部貯留領域の全域を上皿部材により上方から遮蔽するようにしている。かかる構成では、下部貯留領域へ遊技球を投入し難くなるため、遊技者の手により下部貯留領域に遊技球が過剰に補充されることがない。もちろん、下部貯留領域は、連絡通路を介して上部貯留領域と連通しているため、遊技者は、上部貯留領域に遊技球を投入することにより、下部貯留領域に間接的に遊技球を補充可能であり、下部貯留領域へ遊技球を投入不可能又は困難としても、遊技球の補充に支障が生じることはない。すなわち、本構成によれば、遊技球は専ら連絡通路を介して下部貯留領域に好適に補充されるため、下部貯留領域の貯留量に応じて連絡通路を開閉制御するだけで、下部貯留領域の貯留量を適正範囲に制限することが可能であり、下部貯留領域の貯留状態の更なる安定化が可能となる。なお、本構成にあっても、下部貯留領域の全域を上皿部材により完全に閉止する必要はなく、下部貯留領域に遊技球を投入困難な程度に遮蔽していればよい。具体的には、遊技者の指が下部貯留領域に達しない程度にまで、上皿部材と下皿部材を近接させることが望ましい。 On the other hand, even if the game balls flowing down the communication passage are restricted, if an excessive number of game balls are thrown in by the player from the open portion of the lower storage area, the game balls in the rectifying passage downstream of the lower storage area A strong ball pressure is applied, and the alignment state of the game balls is likely to be disturbed. For this reason, the upper plate member and the lower plate member are arranged close enough to make it impossible or difficult to insert the game balls into the lower storage region from between the two members, and the entire area of the lower storage region is The member is shielded from above . In such a configuration, it is difficult to throw game balls into the lower storage area, so that the game balls are not excessively replenished by the player's hand. Of course, because the lower storage area communicates with the upper storage area via the communication passage, the player can indirectly replenish the lower storage area with the game balls by inserting the game balls into the upper storage area. Even if it is impossible or difficult to insert the game ball into the lower storage area, there is no problem in supplementing the game ball. That is, according to this configuration, since the game balls are suitably supplemented to the lower storage area exclusively through the communication path, the opening and closing control of the communication path according to the storage amount of the lower storage area is sufficient. The amount of storage can be limited to an appropriate range, and the storage state of the lower storage region can be further stabilized. Even in this configuration, it is not necessary to completely close the entire lower storage area with the upper plate member, and it is only necessary to shield the game balls in the lower storage area to the extent that it is difficult to input. Specifically, it is desirable that the upper plate member and the lower plate member are brought close to each other so that the player's finger does not reach the lower storage area.

さらに、上皿部材の底部周縁と下皿部材の上部周縁との間に形成されて、下皿部材の外方と下部貯留領域とを連通する間隙が、下皿部材の周縁に亘って遊技球の直径よりも狭幅となるようにすることも提案される。かかる構成にあっては、上皿部材と下皿部材の間を介した下部貯留領域への遊技球の投入が不可能となるため、整流通路の遊技球を、外部からの干渉を受けることなく安定に整列させることができる。また、パチンコ機用の遊技球の直径は一般的に１ｃｍ程度であるため、上皿部材と下皿部材は、その周縁において殆ど距離をおかずに近接することとなり、両皿部材の外観は連続性を有する一体的なものとなる。なお、本発明は、上皿部材と下皿部材とを別部材で構成するものであるが、分離容易であるならば、二つの皿部材は部分的に接触していても構わない。 Furthermore, a gap formed between the bottom peripheral edge of the upper dish member and the upper peripheral edge of the lower dish member and communicating between the outer side of the lower dish member and the lower storage area extends over the peripheral edge of the lower dish member. It is also proposed to make the width narrower than the diameter of the . In such a configuration, since it becomes impossible to throw the game ball into the lower storage region through the space between the upper plate member and the lower plate member, the game ball in the rectifying passage is not subject to external interference. It can be aligned stably. In addition, since the diameter of a game ball for a pachinko machine is generally about 1 cm, the upper plate member and the lower plate member are close to each other with little distance at the periphery, and the appearance of both plate members is continuous. It becomes an integral thing having. In the present invention, the upper plate member and the lower plate member are configured as separate members, but the two plate members may be in partial contact as long as separation is easy.

以上に述べたように、本発明は、下皿部材に形成され、下部貯留領域の遊技球が流出する取込口と、該取込口と連通し、遊技開始に必要な数の遊技球を、下部貯留領域から取り込む球取込装置とを備え、下部貯留領域を、連絡通路から遊技球が流入して滞留する滞留領域と、滞留領域の遊技球が流入して整列する細長形状の整流通路とに区画して、該整流通路の下流端部位置に取込口を形成すると共に、整流通路に所定数以上の遊技球が整列しているか否かを検知する整列球検知手段を設け、さらに、下部貯留領域の整流通路を上皿部材により上方から遮蔽したことを特徴とするスロットマシンであるから、遊技者が遊技球を手ずから移し替える際に、誤って零れた遊技球が、整流通路に整列した遊技球の上に乗りかかり、整流通路の遊技球の整列状態が撹乱されるのを防止できる。従って、本発明のスロットマシンでは、整流通路の遊技球数を正確に検知することが可能となり、取込みに必要な遊技球数が整流通路にある場合にのみ、球取込装置を作動させることにより、遊技球の取込みを正確かつ効率的に行うことができる。特に、本構成にあっては、整流通路を上皿部材により上方から遮蔽しているため、整流通路を遮蔽するための新規の部材を要せず、部品点数の増加を抑えることができる。また、上皿部材と下皿部材は別部材であるため、少なくとも一方の皿部材を、他方の皿部材とは別に着脱可能や傾動可能とすれば、必要に応じて遮蔽された整流通路を開放することも可能であり、整流通路で球詰りが生じた際の復旧作業や、整流通路の保守管理を容易に行うことができる。 As described above, the present invention has an intake port formed in the lower plate member through which the game balls in the lower storage area flow out, and the number of game balls necessary for the start of the game in communication with the intake port. And a ball take-in device that takes in from the lower storage area, and the lower storage area includes a stay area in which game balls flow from and stay in the communication path, and an elongated rectifying passage in which game balls in the stay area flow in and align And an alignment ball detecting means for detecting whether or not a predetermined number or more of game balls are aligned in the rectifying passage, and forming an intake port at the downstream end position of the rectifying passage, Since the slot machine is characterized in that the rectifying passage in the lower storage area is shielded from above by the upper plate member , when the player moves the game ball from hand to hand, Ride on the aligned game balls, game balls in the rectifying passage That the alignment is disturbed it can be prevented. Therefore, in the slot machine of the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect the number of game balls in the rectification passage, and only when the number of game balls necessary for taking in is in the rectification passage, the ball take-in device is operated. The game ball can be taken in accurately and efficiently. In particular, in this configuration, since the rectifying passage is shielded from above by the upper plate member, a new member for shielding the rectifying passage is not required, and an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed. Moreover, since the upper plate member and the lower plate member are separate members, if at least one plate member can be attached / detached or tilted separately from the other plate member, the shielded rectifying passage is opened as necessary. It is also possible to carry out recovery work when a ball clogging occurs in the rectifying passage and maintenance management of the rectifying passage.

また、上皿部材と下皿部材とを、該両部材間からの下部貯留領域への遊技球の投入を不可能又は困難とする程度に近接配置して、下部貯留領域の全域を上皿部材により上方から遮蔽した場合には、遊技球は、専ら上部貯留領域から連絡通路を介して下部貯留領域へ補充されることとなる。このため、下部貯留領域の貯留量に応じて、連絡通路内の遊技球の流下を制限するだけで、下部貯留領域の貯留量を適正範囲に抑え、整流通路の遊技球に加わる球圧を制限することができる。従って、整流通路に遊技球をより安定した状態で整列させること可能となり、遊技球の取込みを一層確実に行うことができる。また、上皿部材と下皿部材が近接することにより、上部貯留領域と下部貯留領域とを連通する連絡通路を短いものとなるため、上部貯留領域から下部貯留領域へ遊技球を速やかに流下させることもできる。 Further, the upper plate member and the lower plate member are arranged close enough to make it impossible or difficult to insert the game ball into the lower storage region from between the two members, and the entire upper storage member is disposed in the lower storage region. Thus , the game ball is replenished exclusively from the upper storage area to the lower storage area via the communication passage. For this reason, according to the amount of storage in the lower storage area, the flow of game balls in the communication passage is only restricted, the storage amount in the lower storage area is limited to an appropriate range, and the ball pressure applied to the game balls in the rectification passage is limited can do. Therefore, it is possible to align the game balls in the rectifying passage in a more stable state, and the game balls can be taken in more reliably. In addition, since the upper plate member and the lower plate member are close to each other, the communication path that connects the upper storage region and the lower storage region is shortened, so that the game ball can quickly flow down from the upper storage region to the lower storage region. You can also

さらに、上皿部材の底部周縁と下皿部材の上部周縁との間に形成されて、下皿部材の外方と下部貯留領域とを連通する間隙が、下皿部材の周縁に亘って遊技球の直径よりも狭幅となるようにした場合には、下部貯留領域へ遊技球を投入不可能となるため、下部貯留領域への干渉が完全に排除されることとなり、整流通路の遊技球の整列状態を、より安定なものにすることができる。また、外観的にも、二つの皿部材をあたかも一体物のように見せることができるので、デザイン的にも重厚な感じを与えると共に、遊技球を投入すべき場所が上部貯留領域であることを明確に示すことができるので、遊技者に戸惑いを与えることがない。さらに、上下二つの皿部材が単一の部材であるような印象を与えることで、遊技者の手による移し替えが不要であることを、視覚的に納得させることもできる。 Furthermore, a gap formed between the bottom peripheral edge of the upper dish member and the upper peripheral edge of the lower dish member and communicating between the outer side of the lower dish member and the lower storage area extends over the peripheral edge of the lower dish member. If it is made narrower than the diameter of the game ball, it becomes impossible to throw the game ball into the lower storage area, so interference with the lower storage area is completely eliminated, and the game ball in the rectifying passage is The alignment state can be made more stable. Also, in terms of appearance, the two plate members can be seen as if they were one-piece, giving a solid feel to the design and that the place where the game ball should be thrown is the upper storage area. Since it can be clearly shown, the player is not confused. Furthermore, by giving the impression that the upper and lower two dish members are a single member, it can be visually convinced that transfer by the player's hand is unnecessary.

本発明の実施形態を、以下の実施例に従って説明する。
本実施例のスロットマシン１は、パチンコ機用の遊技球を遊技媒体として用いるものであり、一般のパチンコ機用の遊技島に対してパチンコ機同様に取り付け可能となっている。すなわち、このスロットマシン１は、図１〜３に示すように、遊技島に起立状に配設されるパチンコ機と同形状の外枠２と、該外枠２にヒンジ部材９を介して枢着されて、該外枠２の前面開口部を覆う遊技機本体３とからなる。また、スロットマシン１の左側には、スロットマシン１と接続されて、貸球数を記憶したプリペイドカードの読込みや書込みを行うカードユニット１１が付属装置として装着される。 Embodiments of the present invention are described according to the following examples.
The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment uses a game ball for a pachinko machine as a game medium, and can be attached to a game island for a general pachinko machine in the same manner as the pachinko machine. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the slot machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 having the same shape as a pachinko machine arranged upright on a game island, and a hinge member 9 connected to the outer frame 2 via a hinge member 9. A gaming machine main body 3 that is worn and covers the front opening of the outer frame 2. Also, on the left side of the slot machine 1, a card unit 11 connected to the slot machine 1 and reading and writing a prepaid card storing the number of rented balls is mounted as an accessory device.

遊技機本体３は、図１〜３に示すように、ヒンジ部材９を介して外枠２に直接枢着する板状の前枠４や、該前枠４の背面側に着脱可能に取り付けられて、遊技球の流路を形成する裏機構板５等により構成される。そして、この遊技機本体３の前面側を覆うように前扉６が枢着され、さらに遊技機本体３の前面下部には、取付パネル３３に固定された下皿部材１９が着脱可能に取り付けられる。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the gaming machine main body 3 is detachably attached to a plate-like front frame 4 that pivots directly to the outer frame 2 via a hinge member 9, and the rear side of the front frame 4. The back mechanism plate 5 or the like that forms the flow path of the game ball. And the front door 6 is pivoted so that the front side of this game machine main body 3 may be covered, and the lower plate member 19 fixed to the attachment panel 33 is attached to the lower front part of the game machine main body 3 so that attachment or detachment is possible. .

前枠４は、外枠２に内嵌し得る形状に成形された板状樹脂材よりなり、図１，３に示すように、その上部中央に、外周面に多種類の図柄Ｐが配された３つの回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃを備える。これらの回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃは、これらを個別に駆動するドラムモータ及び該モータを支持する支持部材に組み付けられて、一体のドラムユニット１０（図３参照）を構成しており、このドラムユニット１０が、前枠４の背面側に取り付けられる。なお、このドラムユニット１０は、既存のスロットマシンのものを好適に用いることができる。そして、前枠４の、ドラムユニット１０の装着部位には、各回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃを前方から視認可能とする表示窓２３が形成され、この表示窓２３に回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃ正面の図柄Ｐが表出される。また、表示窓２３の下方には、レギュラーボーナス中の入賞回数等を表示するゲーム回数表示器１４や、一回の入賞により獲得した賞球数が表示される払出数表示器１５、払出動作が完了していない遊技球数を表示する未払出数表示器１６が横並びに配設される。さらに、表示窓２３の左側には、有効な入賞ラインを遊技者に報知する入賞ラインランプ２４が設けられる。また、表示窓２３の上方には、遊技状態に合わせて多様な演出パターンを表出する液晶表示装置２９も配設される。 The front frame 4 is made of a plate-like resin material molded into a shape that can be fitted into the outer frame 2, and as shown in FIGS. Three rotating drums 12a to 12c. These rotary drums 12a to 12c are assembled into a drum motor that individually drives them and a support member that supports the motor, and constitutes an integral drum unit 10 (see FIG. 3). It is attached to the back side of the front frame 4. As the drum unit 10, an existing slot machine can be preferably used. A display window 23 is formed in the front frame 4 where the drum unit 10 is mounted. The display window 23 allows the rotary drums 12a to 12c to be visually recognized from the front, and a symbol P on the front of the rotary drums 12a to 12c is formed on the display window 23. Expressed. Also, below the display window 23, there are a game number display 14 for displaying the number of winnings in a regular bonus, a payout number display 15 for displaying the number of winning balls acquired by one win, and a payout operation. An unpaid-out number display 16 that displays the number of game balls that have not been completed is arranged side by side. Further, on the left side of the display window 23, a winning line lamp 24 for notifying the player of an effective winning line is provided. Further, above the display window 23, a liquid crystal display device 29 for displaying various effect patterns according to the gaming state is also provided.

前扉６は、図１，２に示すように、前枠４の前面を、上縁から下部にかけて覆う矩形板状をなし、その左縁に設けられたヒンジ部材（図示省略）を介して回動可能に取り付けられる。この前扉６の上部には、略矩形のガラス板３２が嵌め込まれており、前枠４に設けられた表示窓２３や液晶表示装置２９を透過視可能としている。そして、前扉６の、ガラス板３２の下方位置には操作部３９が形成される。この操作部３９には、正面視左側よりスタートランプ４０、スタートレバー４１、三つのＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃ、ストップボタン４３ａ〜４３ｃが横並びに設けられており、これらのボタンやレバーの操作により遊技が実行される。スタートランプ４０は、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃが回転開始可能であることを遊技者に報知するためのものであり、このスタートランプ４０の点灯時にスタートレバー４１を押し下げると、各回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃが回転開始する。ＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃは、賭数単位で遊技球を取り込ませるための取込スイッチを構成するものであり、後述するように、これらのボタン操作により下皿部材１９内の遊技球が自動的に遊技機内へ取り込まれる。また、ストップボタン４３ａ〜４３ｃは回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの停止操作に用いるものであり、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの回転中にこれらのボタンを押圧操作すると、この操作タイミングに基づいて制御装置が各ボタンに対応する回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃを停止させる。また、上記の各ボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃ，４３ａ〜４３ｃは、スイッチとランプを備え、ボタン操作は各スイッチのＯＮ作動により後述の主制御基板１００へ伝えられると共に、夫々のランプの点灯によりボタン操作が有効であることを遊技者に報知するようになっている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front door 6 has a rectangular plate shape covering the front surface of the front frame 4 from the upper edge to the lower part, and is rotated via a hinge member (not shown) provided on the left edge. Mounted movably. A substantially rectangular glass plate 32 is fitted into the upper portion of the front door 6 so that the display window 23 and the liquid crystal display device 29 provided in the front frame 4 can be seen through. An operation unit 39 is formed at a position below the glass plate 32 of the front door 6. The operation unit 39 is provided with a start lamp 40, a start lever 41, three BET buttons 42a to 42c, and stop buttons 43a to 43c side by side from the left side when viewed from the front. A game can be played by operating these buttons and levers. Executed. The start lamp 40 is for notifying the player that the rotation drums 12a to 12c can start rotating. When the start lever 41 is depressed when the start lamp 40 is lit, the rotation drums 12a to 12c Start rotating. The BET buttons 42a to 42c constitute a take-in switch for taking in game balls in units of bets. As described later, the game balls in the lower plate member 19 are automatically operated by operating these buttons. It is taken into the gaming machine. The stop buttons 43a to 43c are used to stop the rotating drums 12a to 12c. When these buttons are pressed while the rotating drums 12a to 12c are rotating, the control device controls each button based on the operation timing. The rotating drums 12a to 12c corresponding to are stopped. Each of the buttons 42a to 42c and 43a to 43c includes a switch and a lamp. The button operation is transmitted to the main control board 100 described later by the ON operation of each switch, and the button operation is performed by lighting each lamp. The player is informed that it is valid.

さらに、図１，２に示すように、前扉６の前面の、操作部３９の下方位置には、上皿部材８が取り付けられる。この上皿部材８の上部には、遊技球を貯留する上部貯留領域３６が形成されており、該上部貯留領域３６に、左側後部に開口する球供給口３５から流入した遊技球等が貯留され、貯留された遊技球は、右側底面に開口する連絡通路３８の流入口９１へと順次流入し、後述する下部貯留領域２１へと流下するようになっている。また、上皿部材８の正面には、カードユニット１１に投入したプリペイドカードを遊技者に返却するよう指示するカード返却ボタン２５と、所定個数単位の遊技球ｘを貸球として払い出すよう指示する球貸ボタン２６と、カードユニット１１に投入したプリペイドカードの残高を表示する度数表示器２７とを備えるカード操作部２８が設けられている。 Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper plate member 8 is attached to the front surface of the front door 6 at a position below the operation unit 39. An upper storage area 36 for storing game balls is formed in the upper part of the upper plate member 8, and game balls and the like flowing in from the ball supply port 35 that opens to the left rear are stored in the upper storage area 36. The stored game balls sequentially flow into the inflow port 91 of the communication passage 38 opened on the right bottom surface, and flow down to the lower storage area 21 described later. Further, on the front surface of the upper plate member 8, a card return button 25 for instructing the player to return the prepaid card inserted into the card unit 11 and an instruction to pay out a predetermined number of game balls x as a rental ball are instructed. A card operation unit 28 including a ball lending button 26 and a frequency indicator 27 for displaying the balance of the prepaid card inserted into the card unit 11 is provided.

一方、前枠４の前面下部に位置する下皿部材１９は、その上部に遊技球を貯留する下部貯留領域２１を有する。下部貯留領域２１は、図１４に示すように、隔壁５６により、その右前縁に沿った細長形状の整流通路５４と、該整流通路５４の左端と連通する幅広な滞留領域５３とに区画形成される。そして、滞留領域５３の右端に、連絡通路３８の流出口９２が開口しており、上部貯留領域３６から流下した遊技球が、この流出口９２から滞留領域５３へ流入すると共に、滞留領域５３の全ての遊技球は整流通路５４へ順次流入して、整流通路５４の右端に開口する取込口６６から、遊技開始に必要な数の遊技球が適時取り込まれるようになっている。また、図１に示すように、下皿部材１９の前面下部には、球抜操作具２０が設けられており、遊技者の球抜操作具２０の操作により、下部貯留領域２１の遊技球を遊技機外に排出可能となっている。なお、本発明の要部に係るため、上皿部材８及び下皿部材１９の詳細な構成は別途後述する。 On the other hand, the lower dish member 19 located in the lower front part of the front frame 4 has a lower storage area 21 for storing game balls in the upper part thereof. As shown in FIG. 14, the lower storage region 21 is partitioned by a partition wall 56 into an elongated rectification passage 54 along the right front edge thereof and a wide retention region 53 communicating with the left end of the rectification passage 54. The An outflow port 92 of the communication passage 38 is opened at the right end of the staying region 53, and the game ball flowing down from the upper storage region 36 flows into the staying region 53 from the outflow port 92, and All the game balls sequentially flow into the rectifying passage 54, and the required number of game balls for starting the game are taken in from the intake port 66 opened at the right end of the rectifying passage 54. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a ball removal operation tool 20 is provided at the lower front portion of the lower plate member 19, and a game ball in the lower storage area 21 is removed by the player's operation of the ball removal operation tool 20. It can be discharged outside the gaming machine. In addition, since it concerns on the principal part of this invention, the detailed structure of the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 is mentioned later separately.

裏機構板５は、上述のように前枠４の背面に着脱可能に装着されて、前枠４と共に遊技機本体３を構成するものであり、図３に示すように、その背面には、電子回路を組み込まれた基板１００〜１０６（図４参照）を内蔵する基板ユニット１３，１３が備え付けられる。これらの基板１００〜１０６は相互に電気的に接続されると共に、スロットマシン１に設けられた各種センサ、スイッチ、モータ、ランプ等と接続されており、遊技を統括する制御装置を構成する。また、図２，３に示すように、裏機構板５の上部には、遊技島設備の球供給装置から遊技球ｘの供給を受ける球タンク３０が設けられる。この球タンク３０は、裏機構板５内部に形成される球供給通路１７を通して、前記球供給口３５と連通しており、該球供給通路１７の中途位置に設けられた払出装置３１が作動すると、球タンク３０側に位置する所定数の遊技球ｘが、球供給口３５へ向けて送出されて、上部貯留領域３６に流入するようになっている。また、球供給口３５の奥には、満タンスイッチ４８が設けられる。この満タンスイッチ４８は、上部貯留領域３６が遊技球で満杯となった場合に、上部貯留領域３６に流入できずに、球供給口３５の奥に滞留した遊技球を検知してＯＮ作動する。かかる上部貯留領域３６への遊技球供給機構は、既存のパチンコ機の構成を好適に用いることが可能である。 The back mechanism plate 5 is detachably attached to the back surface of the front frame 4 as described above, and constitutes the gaming machine main body 3 together with the front frame 4, and as shown in FIG. Substrate units 13 and 13 including substrates 100 to 106 (see FIG. 4) incorporating electronic circuits are provided. These boards 100 to 106 are electrically connected to each other and are connected to various sensors, switches, motors, lamps, and the like provided in the slot machine 1, and constitute a control device that controls the game. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a ball tank 30 that receives supply of the game ball x from the ball supply device of the game island facility is provided on the upper part of the back mechanism plate 5. The sphere tank 30 communicates with the sphere supply port 35 through a sphere supply passage 17 formed inside the back mechanism plate 5, and when a dispensing device 31 provided in the middle position of the sphere supply passage 17 is operated. A predetermined number of game balls x located on the ball tank 30 side are sent out toward the ball supply port 35 and flow into the upper storage area 36. Further, a full tank switch 48 is provided in the back of the ball supply port 35. When the upper storage area 36 is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 48 detects a game ball that cannot stay in the upper storage area 36 and stays behind the ball supply port 35 and is turned on. . The game ball supply mechanism to the upper storage area 36 can suitably use the configuration of an existing pachinko machine.

次に、本実施例のスロットマシン１の遊技作動を制御する制御回路を、図４を参照して説明する。マイクロコンピュータを構成する主制御基板１００には、スロットマシン１の遊技制御を行うと共に、取込スイッチの操作に基づいて遊技球ｘの取込動作制御等を行うための基板回路が設けられている。この主制御基板１００の基板回路には、周辺機器とデータ通信を行う入力ポート及び出力ポート（図示省略）が設けられており、この出力ポートを介して主制御基板１００からの制御信号が、払出制御基板１０１、表示制御基板１０２、ランプ制御基板１０３、情報端子基板１０５の各入力ポートに向けて出力されるように接続されている。また、主制御基板１００の入力ポートには、上述したスタートレバー４１や各ＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃ、ストップボタン４３ａ〜４３ｃのスイッチが接続されており、主制御基板１００は２ｍｓごとにこれらの操作状態を調べ、その操作に応じて遊技状態を制御する。また、主制御基板１００には、後述する整流通路５４に設けられる整列球検知スイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃや、球取込装置５０の取込モータ７２、球取込装置５０により取り込まれた遊技球を検知する取込球検知スイッチ７７も接続される。 Next, a control circuit for controlling the game operation of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The main control board 100 constituting the microcomputer is provided with a board circuit for controlling the game of the slot machine 1 and controlling the taking-in operation of the game ball x based on the operation of the take-in switch. . The board circuit of the main control board 100 is provided with an input port and an output port (not shown) for performing data communication with peripheral devices, and a control signal from the main control board 100 is issued through the output port. The control board 101, the display control board 102, the lamp control board 103, and the information terminal board 105 are connected so as to be output toward the input ports. The input port of the main control board 100 is connected to the start lever 41 and the switches of the BET buttons 42a to 42c and the stop buttons 43a to 43c described above. And control the gaming state according to the operation. In addition, the main control board 100 detects a game ball taken in by an alignment ball detection switch 75a to 75c provided in a rectifying passage 54 described later, a take-in motor 72 of the ball take-in device 50, and the ball take-in device 50. A take-in ball detection switch 77 is also connected.

上記払出制御基板１０１には、遊技球の払出作動の制御を行うための基板回路が設けられる。この基板回路は、上記払出装置３１と接続されており、主制御基板１００から入力されたコマンドに従い払出装置３１を作動させて、貸球や賞球の払い出しを実行する。また、払出制御基板１０１は、貸球数を記憶したプリペイドカードの読込みや書込みを行う付属装置であるカードユニット１１と、このプリペイドカードのデータ処理を中継するＣＲ接続基板１０４を介して接続され、遊技球ｘの残球データ等をやり取りする。さらに、払出制御基板１０１には、前記球タンク３０内の球切れを検出するための球切れスイッチや、上部貯留領域３６が遊技球で満杯になったことを検知するための満タンスイッチ４８とも接続されている。 The payout control board 101 is provided with a board circuit for controlling the payout operation of the game ball. The circuit board is connected to the payout device 31 and operates the payout device 31 in accordance with a command input from the main control board 100 to execute the payout of the rented or winning balls. Further, the payout control board 101 is connected to a card unit 11 which is an accessory device for reading and writing a prepaid card storing the number of rented balls via a CR connection board 104 that relays data processing of the prepaid card, The remaining ball data of the game ball x is exchanged. Further, the payout control board 101 includes a ball break switch for detecting the ball break in the ball tank 30 and a full tank switch 48 for detecting that the upper storage area 36 is full of game balls. It is connected.

上記表示制御基板１０２は、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの停止制御を行うための基板回路が設けられる。この基板回路には、各回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃを回転駆動するドラムモータと、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの回転角度を検出する基準位置センサと接続され、主制御基板１００から入力されたコマンドに従ってドラムモータを作動させ、各回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃを回転させると共に、所定回転角度で停止させる。また、表示制御基板１０２には、液晶表示装置２９も接続されており、主制御基板１００からのコマンドに応じて、液晶表示装置２９に表示制御信号を送信し、様々な演出表示を実行させる。また、表示制御基板１０２は、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの下方に設けられた各種表示器１４〜１６と接続されると共に、効果音や音声の出力制御を行う音声制御基板１０６を介してスピーカとも接続されている。 The display control board 102 is provided with a board circuit for performing stop control of the rotary drums 12a to 12c. The substrate circuit is connected to a drum motor that rotates each of the rotating drums 12 a to 12 c and a reference position sensor that detects the rotation angle of the rotating drums 12 a to 12 c, and the drum motor according to a command input from the main control substrate 100. Is operated to rotate each of the rotary drums 12a to 12c and stop at a predetermined rotation angle. In addition, a liquid crystal display device 29 is also connected to the display control board 102, and a display control signal is transmitted to the liquid crystal display device 29 in response to a command from the main control board 100 to execute various effect displays. The display control board 102 is connected to various displays 14 to 16 provided below the rotary drums 12a to 12c, and is also connected to a speaker via a sound control board 106 that controls output of sound effects and sounds. Has been.

上記ランプ制御基板１０３には、入賞ラインランプ２４や、操作部３９のスタートランプ４０や各種ボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃ，４３ａ〜４３ｃに内蔵されたランプと接続されており、主制御基板１００から入力されたコマンドに従い各種ランプを点灯制御して、入賞ラインやボタン操作が有効となったことを遊技者に報知する。 The lamp control board 103 is connected to the winning line lamp 24, the start lamp 40 of the operation unit 39, and the lamps built in the various buttons 42 a to 42 c and 43 a to 43 c, and inputted from the main control board 100. Various lamps are controlled to be turned on according to the command to notify the player that the winning line or button operation has become effective.

また、上記情報端子基板１０５は、遊技島設備の集中管理装置１０７と接続するためのものであり、主制御基板１００や払出制御基板１０１から送られた賞球数や大当り回数等の情報を、この基板を介して集中管理装置１０７へ送信することができる。 The information terminal board 105 is for connection to the central management device 107 of the game island equipment, and information such as the number of winning balls and the number of jackpots sent from the main control board 100 and the payout control board 101 The data can be transmitted to the central management apparatus 107 via this board.

上述したように、本実施例のスロットマシン１は、遊技機本体３の前面下部に、上皿部材８と下皿部材１９が設けられており、払出装置３１が送出した遊技球ｘを上皿部材８の上部貯留領域３６へ払い出すと共に、上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘを下皿部材１９の下部貯留領域２１へ流下させ、遊技の開始に必要な遊技球を、該下部貯留領域２１から取り込むようにしている。以下に、これらの構成について詳細に説明する。 As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 are provided in the lower front portion of the gaming machine main body 3, and the game ball x sent out by the payout device 31 is transferred to the upper plate. While paying out to the upper storage area 36 of the member 8, the game ball x in the upper storage area 36 is caused to flow down to the lower storage area 21 of the lower dish member 19, and the game balls necessary for starting the game are transferred from the lower storage area 21. I try to capture it. Hereinafter, these configurations will be described in detail.

上皿部材８は、図１，２に示すように、前扉６の下部に固着されて、前扉６の閉止時に遊技機本体３の前面に膨出するように設けられる。この上皿部材８は、直方体形状に成形された樹脂材よりなり、図５，８〜１０に示すように、その上部に、遊技球ｘを貯留する上部貯留領域３６が設けられる。また、図１１に示すように、上皿部材８の内部は空洞となっており、その右側に、上部貯留領域３６と下皿部材１９の下部貯留領域２１と連通する連絡通路３８が形成される。上部貯留領域３６は、図５，１０に示すように、前扉６を貫通する左後部の球供給口３５を介して、裏機構板５に設けられた前記払出装置３１と連通しており、払出装置３１から払い出された遊技球ｘは、この球供給口３５から上部貯留領域３６に流入する。一方、上部貯留領域３６の右側底面には、連絡通路３８への流入口９１が形成されると共に、上部貯留領域３６の底面は緩やかに該流入口９１へ下り傾斜しており、上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘを連絡通路３８に流入させるようになっている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper plate member 8 is fixed to the lower portion of the front door 6 and provided so as to bulge to the front surface of the gaming machine main body 3 when the front door 6 is closed. The upper plate member 8 is made of a resin material molded in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 to 10, an upper storage region 36 for storing the game ball x is provided on the upper portion thereof. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the inside of the upper plate member 8 is hollow, and a communication passage 38 communicating with the upper storage region 36 and the lower storage region 21 of the lower plate member 19 is formed on the right side thereof. . As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the upper storage area 36 communicates with the dispensing device 31 provided in the back mechanism plate 5 through the left rear ball supply port 35 that penetrates the front door 6. The game ball x paid out from the payout device 31 flows from the ball supply port 35 into the upper storage area 36. On the other hand, an inlet 91 to the communication passage 38 is formed on the right bottom surface of the upper storage area 36, and the bottom surface of the upper storage area 36 is gently inclined downward toward the inlet 91. The game ball x is caused to flow into the communication passage 38.

連絡通路３８は、図６，８，９に示すように、上皿部材８と下皿部材１９の内部右側に上下方向に設けられて、上部貯留領域３６と下部貯留領域２１とを連通し、流入口９１から流入した上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘを、下部貯留領域２１へ流下させる。ここで、図１２に示すように、連絡通路３８の、上皿部材８を貫通する部分には、右部に待機領域９９が連成される。この待機領域９９には、遊技球ｘが円滑に連絡通路３８を流下し得る場合には遊技球ｘは侵入せず、下部貯留領域２１が満杯となり、遊技球ｘが連絡通路３８から流出不可能となった場合に、滞留した遊技球が側部の待機領域９９に侵入するようになっている。そして、この待機領域９９に臨む位置には、下部貯留領域２１が遊技球で満杯である時に作動する満杯作動部材９４が設けられる。また、満杯作動部材９４の上方には、遊技球が連絡通路３８を流下可能な開放位置ａと流下不可能な閉鎖位置ｂとに選択的に保持される開閉部材９３と、満杯作動部材９４と開閉部材９３とを連係する連係制御機構とが設けられる。 As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, the communication passage 38 is provided on the inner right side of the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 in the vertical direction, and communicates the upper storage region 36 and the lower storage region 21, The game ball x in the upper storage area 36 flowing in from the inflow port 91 is caused to flow down to the lower storage area 21. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, a standby region 99 is coupled to the right portion of the connecting passage 38 through the upper plate member 8. When the game ball x can smoothly flow down the communication path 38, the game ball x does not enter the standby area 99, the lower storage area 21 becomes full, and the game ball x cannot flow out of the communication path 38. In this case, the staying game ball enters the standby area 99 on the side. A full operation member 94 that operates when the lower storage area 21 is full of game balls is provided at a position facing the standby area 99. Above the full operation member 94, an opening / closing member 93 that is selectively held at an open position a where the game ball can flow down the communication passage 38 and a closed position b where the game ball cannot flow down, and a full operation member 94, A linkage control mechanism that links the opening / closing member 93 is provided.

満杯作動部材９４は、連絡通路３８を臨む位置に軸支される正面略扇形の樹脂部材よりなる。この満杯作動部材９４は、図１３に示すように、待機領域９９内に位置する下方の定常位置ｃ（図１３（イ））と、待機領域９９から退避する上方の作動位置ｄ（図１３（ロ））との間を傾動可能となっており、通常は、重力により付勢されて、図１２（イ）に示すように下方の定常位置ｃにあり、図１２（ロ）に示すように、待機領域９９に遊技球ｘが侵入して滞留すると、該遊技球ｘに滞留した遊技球ｘに押圧されて、作動位置ｄに押し上げられる。すなわち、かかる満杯作動部材９４は、定常位置ｃにある状態を非作動状態に、作動位置ｄにある状態を作動状態とするものであり、下部貯留領域２１の満杯時に、待機領域９９に遊技球ｘが侵入することにより、定常位置ｃから作動位置ｄに変位して作動する。 The full operation member 94 is composed of a substantially fan-shaped resin member that is pivotally supported at a position facing the communication passage 38. As shown in FIG. 13, the full operation member 94 has a lower steady position c (FIG. 13 (A)) located in the standby area 99 and an upper operation position d (FIG. B)), and is normally urged by gravity to be in a lower stationary position c as shown in FIG. 12 (a) and as shown in FIG. 12 (b). When the game ball x enters and stays in the standby area 99, it is pressed by the game ball x staying in the game ball x and pushed up to the operating position d. In other words, the full operation member 94 changes the state at the steady position c to the non-operational state and the state at the operation position d to the operation state. When the lower storage region 21 is full, the game ball is placed in the standby region 99. When x enters, it moves from the steady position c to the operating position d and operates.

一方、開閉部材９３は、満杯作動部材９４の上方に軸支される正面略扇形の樹脂部材よりなる。この開閉部材９３は、図１３に示すように、下方に垂下する開放位置ａ（図１３（イ））と、略水平となる閉鎖位置ｂ（図１３（ロ））との間を傾動可能となっており、連係制御機構により、両位置に選択的に保持される。そして、開閉部材９３は、その閉鎖位置ｂで、満杯作動部材９４の上方位置において連絡通路３８を閉鎖して、遊技球ｘが連絡通路３８を流下不可能とする。 On the other hand, the opening / closing member 93 is made of a substantially fan-shaped resin member that is pivotally supported above the full operation member 94. As shown in FIG. 13, the opening / closing member 93 can tilt between an open position a (FIG. 13 (a)) that hangs downward and a closed position b (FIG. 13 (b)) that is substantially horizontal. It is selectively held at both positions by the linkage control mechanism. The opening / closing member 93 closes the communication passage 38 at a position above the full operation member 94 at the closed position b, so that the game ball x cannot flow down the communication passage 38.

そして、連係制御機構は、開閉部材９３の軸支部周りに設けられた歯車部９８と、該歯車部９８と噛合する歯車９６と、該歯車９６と噛合する略Ｌ字形の昇降ラック９７により構成される。そして、図１２，１３に示すように、昇降ラック９７を満杯作動部材９４に上方から当接させることにより、満杯作動部材９４と開閉部材９３とを機械的に連係し、満杯作動部材９４が定常位置ｃにある場合には、開閉部材９３を開放位置ａに保持し、満杯作動部材９４が作動して、作動位置ｄに傾動した場合には、開閉部材９３を閉鎖位置ｂに傾動変換して、満杯作動部材９４が定常位置ｃに復帰するまで、開閉部材９３を閉鎖位置ｂに保持する。 The linkage control mechanism includes a gear portion 98 provided around the shaft support portion of the opening / closing member 93, a gear 96 that meshes with the gear portion 98, and a substantially L-shaped lifting rack 97 that meshes with the gear 96. The Then, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, by bringing the lifting rack 97 into contact with the full operation member 94 from above, the full operation member 94 and the opening / closing member 93 are mechanically linked, and the full operation member 94 is in a steady state. When in the position c, the opening / closing member 93 is held in the open position a, and when the full operation member 94 is operated and tilted to the operation position d, the opening / closing member 93 is tilt-converted to the closed position b. The opening / closing member 93 is held at the closed position b until the full operation member 94 returns to the steady position c.

下皿部材１９は、図６，１４に示すように、上皿部材８と類似した直方体形状の成形樹脂材よりなり、その上部に、遊技球ｘを貯留する下部貯留領域２１が形成される。そして、この下皿部材１９も内部が空洞となっており、図１５，１６に示すように、その内部の空洞に、遊技球ｘを取り込む球取込装置５０や遊技球を流下させる通路等が設けられる。下部貯留領域２１は、図６，１４に示すように、右縁から左方に延成される隔壁５６により、右前縁に沿った細長形状の整流通路５４と、貯留する遊技球ｘを整流通路５４へ流下させる滞留領域５３とに区画される。滞留領域５３の右端部には、連絡通路３８の流出口９２が形成されており、上部貯留領域３６から連絡通路３８に流入した遊技球ｘが、この流出口９２から滞留領域５３に流入する。そして、滞留領域５３の底面は、整流通路５４の左端の入口に向かう下り勾配が形成されており、滞留領域５３の遊技球ｘが、整流通路５４に順次流入するようになっている。 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, the lower plate member 19 is formed of a rectangular parallelepiped shaped resin material similar to the upper plate member 8, and a lower storage region 21 for storing the game ball x is formed on the upper portion thereof. The lower plate member 19 also has a hollow inside, and as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a ball take-in device 50 for taking in the game ball x, a passage for letting the game ball flow down, etc. Provided. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, the lower storage area 21 includes an elongated rectifying passage 54 along the right front edge and a rectifying passage for storing the game ball x stored by a partition wall 56 extending leftward from the right edge. And a staying region 53 that flows down to 54. An outflow port 92 of the communication passage 38 is formed at the right end portion of the staying region 53, and the game ball x flowing into the communication passage 38 from the upper storage region 36 flows into the staying region 53 from the outflow port 92. The bottom surface of the staying region 53 has a downward slope toward the left end entrance of the rectifying passage 54 so that the game balls x in the staying region 53 sequentially flow into the rectifying passage 54.

整流通路５４は、図１４，１５に示すように、下部貯留領域２１の前縁と、隔壁５６との間に、細長形状に区画形成される。この整流通路５４は、遊技球一個が通れる幅寸法をなし、その右端を先頭として、１５個の、すなわち賭数三単位分の遊技球ｘが一列に整列し得る長さとされる。また、整流通路５４は、右に向かって下方傾斜しており、その上流端（左端部）を滞留領域５３から遊技球が流入する入口とすると共に、その下流端部（右端部）の底面には、一個の遊技球ｘが通過可能な取込口６６が開口し、この取込口６６の下方に球取込装置５０が設けられる。また、整流通路５４に整列する遊技球ｘの、先頭から５個目、１０個目及び１５個目を臨む位置に、それぞれ整列球検知スイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃが配設される。これらのスイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃは、本発明に係る整列球検知手段を構成するものであり、夫々の臨む位置に遊技球ｘが存在するとＯＮ作動するものであり。かかるスイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃの作動状況により、主制御基板１００が整流通路５４に５個（賭数一単位）以上、１０個以上若しくは１５個（賭数三単位）以上の遊技球ｘが整列しているか否かを判定する。 As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the rectifying passage 54 is partitioned and formed in an elongated shape between the front edge of the lower storage region 21 and the partition wall 56. The rectifying passage 54 has a width that allows one game ball to pass, and has a length that allows 15 game balls x, that is, three units of betting numbers, to be aligned in a row, starting from the right end thereof. Further, the rectifying passage 54 is inclined downward to the right, and its upstream end (left end portion) serves as an inlet through which the game ball flows from the staying region 53, and on the bottom surface of its downstream end portion (right end portion). The intake port 66 through which one game ball x can pass is opened, and a ball intake device 50 is provided below the intake port 66. In addition, alignment ball detection switches 75a to 75c are arranged at positions facing the fifth, tenth, and fifteenth game balls x aligned with the rectifying passage 54, respectively. These switches 75a to 75c constitute the aligned ball detecting means according to the present invention, and are turned ON when the game ball x exists at the respective facing positions. Depending on the operating state of the switches 75a to 75c, the main control board 100 is arranged in the rectifying passage 54 with 5 (one bet number) or more, 15 or more (3 bet number) gaming balls x aligned. It is determined whether or not.

取込口６６の下方に設けられる球取込装置５０は、図１５，１６に示すように、スプロケット７１と該スプロケット７１を回転させる取込モータ７２とで構成され、整流通路５４の下方に取り付けられて、スプロケット７１を取込口６６の直下に位置させる。取込モータ７２は、ステッピングモータよりなり、裏機構板５に設けられた主制御基板１００に接続されて、該主制御基板１００からの制御信号に応じた回転角度で、スプロケット７１を回転駆動させる。一方、スプロケット７１は、整流通路５４の幅寸法と略等しい厚み寸法を有すると共に、その周部に、三つの凹部７０が等間隔に形成された側面略Ｙ字型をなすものであり、各凹部７０が取込口６６と対向することにより、整流通路５４から該凹部７０に一つの遊技球ｘを取込可能となると共に、各凹部７０の間の係止部７３を取込口６６と対向することにより、取込口６６を閉塞し、遊技球ｘを整流通路５４の下流端部で係止可能とする。また、図１７に示すように、スプロケット７１の後方には、後方へ伸びる取込球排出路４９が樋部材により形成されており、取込モータ７２がスプロケット７１を回転させて、取込口６６から遊技球ｘを収容した凹部７０が、この取込球排出路４９の入口に対向すると、該遊技球ｘが取込球排出路４９に排出されるようになっている。また、図１５に示すように、スプロケット７１の外周面は、右方向に縮径しており、後述するように、整流通路５４の先頭で係止する遊技球ｘを、右方へ案内するようになっている。 As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the ball take-in device 50 provided below the take-in port 66 includes a sprocket 71 and a take-in motor 72 that rotates the sprocket 71, and is attached below the rectifying passage 54. As a result, the sprocket 71 is positioned directly below the intake port 66. The take-in motor 72 is composed of a stepping motor, is connected to the main control board 100 provided on the back mechanism plate 5, and rotates the sprocket 71 at a rotation angle according to a control signal from the main control board 100. . On the other hand, the sprocket 71 has a thickness dimension substantially equal to the width dimension of the rectifying passage 54, and has a substantially Y-shaped side surface in which three recesses 70 are formed at equal intervals on the periphery thereof. When 70 faces the intake port 66, one game ball x can be taken into the recess 70 from the rectifying passage 54, and the locking portion 73 between the recesses 70 faces the intake port 66. As a result, the intake port 66 is closed, and the game ball x can be locked at the downstream end of the rectifying passage 54. In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, a take-in ball discharge path 49 extending rearward is formed by a eaves member behind the sprocket 71, and the take-in motor 72 rotates the sprocket 71 to take in the intake port 66. When the recess 70 containing the game ball x faces the entrance of the take-in ball discharge path 49, the game ball x is discharged into the take-in ball discharge path 49. As shown in FIG. 15, the outer peripheral surface of the sprocket 71 is reduced in the right direction so that the game ball x locked at the head of the rectifying passage 54 is guided to the right as will be described later. It has become.

また、取込球排出路４９は、下り傾斜しながら取付パネル３３を貫通しており、取込球排出路４９に流入した遊技球ｘを、取付パネル３３の背面側へ流下させる。ここで、取込球排出路４９の中途位置には、球取込装置５０が取り込んだ遊技球を検出する取込球検知スイッチ７７が設けられる。この取込球検知スイッチ７７は、上述したように主制御基板１００に接続されており、球取込装置５０により取り込まれた遊技球ｘが取込球排出路４９を通過する度に、この取込球検知スイッチ７７がＯＮ作動し、これにより、主制御基板１００が遊技球ｘを取り込んだと判断する。そして、図３に示すように、この取込球排出路４９は、遊技機本体３の背面側まで通じており、取込球検知スイッチ７７に検知された遊技球ｘは遊技島設備へと排出される。 The take-in ball discharge path 49 penetrates the attachment panel 33 while being inclined downward, and causes the game ball x flowing into the take-in ball discharge path 49 to flow down to the back side of the attachment panel 33. Here, an intake ball detection switch 77 for detecting the game ball taken in by the ball take-in device 50 is provided in the middle position of the take-in ball discharge path 49. This take-in ball detection switch 77 is connected to the main control board 100 as described above, and every time the game ball x taken in by the ball take-in device 50 passes through the take-in ball discharge path 49, The ball-in-ball detection switch 77 is turned on, whereby it is determined that the main control board 100 has taken in the game ball x. As shown in FIG. 3, the take-in ball discharge path 49 leads to the back side of the gaming machine body 3, and the game ball x detected by the take-in ball detection switch 77 is discharged to the game island facility. Is done.

以下に、下部貯留領域２１からの遊技球の排出機構について詳述する。
本実施例の下皿部材１９には、下部貯留領域２１の遊技球ｘを遊技機外に排出するための球抜口８０，８２が二箇所に形成される。第一球抜口８０は、図１４，１５に示すように、滞留領域５３の、遊技球ｘが整流通路５４に流入する部分の底面に配設される。この第一球抜口８０の下方には、下皿部材１９の下方に連通する第一球抜通路５２ａが配設されており、この第一球抜口８０に流入した遊技球ｘは、第一球抜通路５２ａを介して遊技機外に排出される。一方、第二球抜口８２は、図１５に示すように、整流通路５４の下流端部の、突き当て面に配設される。この第二球抜口８２は、図１６，１７に示すように、樋部材により形成される第二球抜通路５２ｂの入口を構成しており、第二球抜口８２に流入した遊技球ｘは、第二球抜通路５２ｂを流下して、第一球抜通路５２ａに流入し、遊技機外へと排出される。ここで、図１５に示すように、滞留領域５３の底面に配設される第一球抜口８０は、細長形状の整流通路５４の下流端部に配設される第二球抜口８２の開口面積よりも大きくなっており、第二球抜口８２を介するよりも速やかに遊技球ｘを排出可能となっている。また、この第一球抜口８０は、図１４に示すように、整流通路５４への出口部分の底面に配設されるため、第一球抜口８０の開放時に、滞留領域５３及び上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘの全てが、整流通路５４に流入することなく、第一球抜口８０から排出されるようになっている。 Below, the discharge mechanism of the game ball from the lower storage area | region 21 is explained in full detail.
In the lower plate member 19 of this embodiment, ball outlets 80 and 82 for discharging the game ball x in the lower storage area 21 to the outside of the gaming machine are formed at two locations. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first ball outlet 80 is disposed on the bottom surface of the portion of the staying region 53 where the game ball x flows into the rectifying passage 54. A first ball extraction passage 52a communicating with the lower part of the lower plate member 19 is disposed below the first ball extraction port 80. The game ball x flowing into the first ball extraction port 80 is It is discharged out of the gaming machine through the one ball extraction passage 52a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, the second ball outlet 82 is disposed on the abutting surface of the downstream end portion of the rectifying passage 54. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second ball outlet 82 constitutes the inlet of the second ball outlet passage 52 b formed by the saddle member, and the game ball x that has flowed into the second ball outlet 82. Flows down the second ball extraction passage 52b, flows into the first ball extraction passage 52a, and is discharged out of the gaming machine. Here, as shown in FIG. 15, the first ball outlet 80 disposed on the bottom surface of the retention region 53 is a second ball outlet 82 disposed at the downstream end of the elongated rectifying passage 54. It is larger than the opening area, and the game ball x can be discharged more quickly than through the second ball outlet 82. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the first ball outlet 80 is disposed on the bottom surface of the exit portion to the rectifying passage 54, and therefore, when the first ball outlet 80 is opened, the stay region 53 and the upper reservoir are stored. All of the game balls x in the region 36 are discharged from the first ball outlet 80 without flowing into the rectifying passage 54.

また、下皿部材１９には、各球抜口８０，８２を開放する位置と閉止する位置に移動可能な第一開閉蓋８１と第二開閉蓋８３が設けられると共に、各開閉蓋８１，８３を位置変換させ得る球抜操作手段が配設される。 Further, the lower plate member 19 is provided with a first opening / closing lid 81 and a second opening / closing lid 83 that are movable to a position for opening and closing each of the ball outlets 80, 82, and each opening / closing lid 81, 83. A ball removing operation means capable of changing the position of the ball is disposed.

第一開閉蓋８１は、図１７，１８に示すように、板状樹脂片からなり、第一球抜口８０を横断状に閉止する右方位置と、第一球抜口８０から退避して、第一球抜口８０を開放する左方位置との間を移動可能に設けられる。また、第一開閉蓋８１の左部には、球抜操作具２０と連係するラック８６ｂが一体的に設けられる。第二開閉蓋８３も板状樹脂片からなり、第二球抜口８２を縦断状に閉塞する下方位置と、矩形の開口部８４を第二球抜口８２と一致させて、第二球抜口８２を開放する上方位置との間を移動可能に設けられる。また、この第二開閉蓋８３の下部にも、球抜操作具２０と連係するラック８６ｄが一体的に設けられる。 As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the first opening / closing lid 81 is made of a plate-shaped resin piece, and is retracted from the right position where the first ball outlet 80 is closed transversely and from the first ball outlet 80. The first ball outlet 80 is provided to be movable between the left position and the left position. In addition, a rack 86 b that is linked to the ball pulling operation tool 20 is integrally provided on the left portion of the first opening / closing lid 81. The second opening / closing lid 83 is also made of a plate-shaped resin piece, and the lower position where the second ball outlet 82 is vertically closed and the rectangular opening 84 coincide with the second ball outlet 82, so It is provided to be movable between an upper position where the mouth 82 is opened. In addition, a rack 86 d that is linked to the ball pulling operation tool 20 is integrally provided at the lower portion of the second opening / closing lid 83.

球抜操作手段は、下皿部材１９の前面下部に水平移動可能に取り付けられた球抜操作具２０と、該球抜操作具２０の動きを第一開閉蓋に伝達して従動させる第一歯車機構と、球抜操作具２０の動きを第二開閉蓋に伝達して従動させる第二歯車機構とを具備してなる。球抜操作具２０は、図５に示すように、下皿部材１９の前面下部から前方に突出し、左右に移動可能に保持される。この球抜操作具２０は、図１８に示すように、下皿部材１９の内部で左右に伸びる連係部材８５の中央前縁に設けられており、連係部材８５と一体的に左右に移動する。なお、連係部材８５は、図示しない弾性部材により、右方向に付勢されており、常態では、球抜操作具２０は可動範囲の右端に位置しており、この位置を球抜操作具２０の定常位置としている。また、連係部材８５の左右両端部には、上面に歯部を有するラック８６ａ、８６ｃが一体的に設けられる。 The ball removal operation means includes a ball removal operation tool 20 that is attached to the lower part of the front surface of the lower plate member 19 so as to be horizontally movable, and a first gear that transmits the movement of the ball removal operation tool 20 to the first opening / closing lid to be driven. And a second gear mechanism that transmits the movement of the ball pulling operation tool 20 to the second opening / closing lid to be driven. As shown in FIG. 5, the ball pulling operation tool 20 protrudes forward from the lower front portion of the lower plate member 19 and is held so as to be movable left and right. As shown in FIG. 18, the ball pulling operation tool 20 is provided at the center front edge of the linkage member 85 extending left and right inside the lower plate member 19, and moves to the left and right integrally with the linkage member 85. The linkage member 85 is urged rightward by an elastic member (not shown). Normally, the ball removal operation tool 20 is located at the right end of the movable range, and this position is the position of the ball removal operation tool 20. The steady position is assumed. In addition, racks 86a and 86c having teeth on the upper surface are integrally provided at both left and right ends of the linking member 85.

連係部材８５の左端部に設けられるラック８６ａは、球抜操作具２０の動きを第一開閉蓋８１に伝達する第一歯車機構を構成するものであり、図１８に示すように、第一歯車機構は、このラック８６ａと、第一開閉蓋８１と一体的に設けられたラック８６ｂと、各ラック８６ａ，８６ｂと噛合して連係する二つのピニオン８７ａ，８７ｂとからなる。そして、球抜操作具２０が遊技者に移動操作され、連係部材８５に設けられたラック８６ａが連動して左方に移動すると、この移動に伴いピニオン８７ａ，８７ｂが回転して、第一開閉蓋８１を左方に従動させる。 The rack 86a provided at the left end of the linkage member 85 constitutes a first gear mechanism that transmits the movement of the ball pulling operation tool 20 to the first opening / closing lid 81. As shown in FIG. The mechanism is composed of the rack 86a, a rack 86b provided integrally with the first opening / closing lid 81, and two pinions 87a and 87b engaged with and linked to the racks 86a and 86b. When the ball removal operation tool 20 is moved by the player and the rack 86a provided on the linkage member 85 moves to the left in conjunction with the movement, the pinions 87a and 87b rotate to move to the first open / close state. The lid 81 is moved to the left.

一方、連係部材８５の右端部に設けられるラック８６ｃは、球抜操作具２０の動きを第二開閉蓋８３に伝達する第二歯車機構を構成するものであり、図１８に示すように、第二歯車機構は、このラック８６ｃと、第二開閉蓋８３に一体的に設けられたラック８６ｄと、各ラック８６ｃ，８６ｄと噛合して連係する半円形のピニオン８７ｃとからなる。そして、第一歯車機構と同様に、球抜操作具２０が遊技者に移動操作され、連係部材８５に設けられたラック８６ｃが連動して左方移動すると、この移動に伴いピニオン８７ｃが回転して、第二開閉蓋８３を上方に従動させる。ここで、図１８に示すように、ラック８６ｃには欠歯部８８が設けられており、球抜操作具２０を定常位置から左方に移動操作しても、ラック８６ｃの欠歯部８８がピニオン８７ｃの歯部と当接するため、しばらくの間、第二開閉蓋８３は従動せず、ラック８６ｃとピニオン８７ｃの歯部が相互に噛合してから第二開閉蓋８３は上方へ従動する。したがって、球抜操作具２０を定常位置から左方に移動操作すると、まず第一球抜口８０、次に第二球抜口８２というように、二つの球抜口８０，８２が段階的に開放するようになっている。 On the other hand, the rack 86c provided at the right end portion of the linking member 85 constitutes a second gear mechanism that transmits the movement of the ball pulling operation tool 20 to the second opening / closing lid 83. As shown in FIG. The two-gear mechanism includes the rack 86c, a rack 86d provided integrally with the second opening / closing lid 83, and a semicircular pinion 87c that meshes with and is linked to the racks 86c and 86d. Similarly to the first gear mechanism, when the ball removal operation tool 20 is moved by the player and the rack 86c provided on the linkage member 85 moves to the left in conjunction with the movement, the pinion 87c rotates with this movement. Then, the second opening / closing lid 83 is driven upward. Here, as shown in FIG. 18, the rack 86c is provided with a toothless portion 88, and even if the ball removal operation tool 20 is moved to the left from the steady position, the toothless portion 88 of the rack 86c is not moved. Since the second opening / closing lid 83 is not driven for a while since it abuts on the teeth of the pinion 87c, the second opening / closing lid 83 is driven upward after the teeth of the rack 86c and the pinion 87c mesh with each other. Therefore, when the ball extraction operating tool 20 is moved to the left from the steady position, the two ball extraction openings 80 and 82 are stepwise, such as the first ball extraction opening 80 and then the second ball extraction opening 82. It is designed to be opened.

ここで、図５〜９に示すように、本実施例では、上皿部材８と下皿部材１９が近接しており、下皿部材１９の下部貯留領域２１の全域が、上皿部材８により上方から遮蔽されている。ここで、下部貯留領域２１は完全に閉止されてはおらず、上皿部材８の底部周縁と下皿部材１９の上部周縁との間に形成される狭幅な間隙ｇを介して、下皿部材１９の外方、すなわち前方や側方と連通している。この間隙ｇは、図８，９に示すように、その上下幅が下皿部材１９の周縁に亘って遊技球ｘの直径よりも狭くなっており、遊技者が、上皿部材８と下皿部材１９の間から、下部貯留領域２１へ遊技球ｘを投入できないようになっている。また、上皿部材８の前下部と下皿部材１９の前下部は、透明樹脂部材２２ａ，２２ｂにより構成されており、前上方、すなわち遊技者の通常の視点から、下部貯留領域２１を視認可能としている。さらに、図５，７に示すように、この上皿部材８と下皿部材１９は、その周縁を上下に近接させているため、別部材でありながら、一体性を有するものとなっている。また、前扉６の前面に取り付けられる上皿部材８は、図２に示すように、枢支された前扉６を前方に回動すると、上皿部材８が前方に傾動して遮蔽されていた下部貯留領域２１が開放するようになっている。 Here, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, in this embodiment, the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 are close to each other, and the entire area of the lower storage region 21 of the lower plate member 19 is caused by the upper plate member 8. It is shielded from above. Here, the lower storage region 21 is not completely closed, and the lower dish member is interposed through a narrow gap g formed between the bottom periphery of the upper dish member 8 and the upper periphery of the lower dish member 19. 19 communicates with the outside, that is, the front and sides. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the gap g has a vertical width that is narrower than the diameter of the game ball x over the periphery of the lower plate member 19, so that the player can connect the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate. The game ball x cannot be thrown into the lower storage area 21 from between the members 19. Moreover, the front lower part of the upper plate member 8 and the front lower part of the lower plate member 19 are comprised by transparent resin member 22a, 22b, and can visually recognize the lower storage area | region 21 from the front upper direction, ie, a player's normal viewpoint. It is said. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 are integrated with each other because their peripheral edges are close to each other in the vertical direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper plate member 8 attached to the front surface of the front door 6 is shielded by tilting the upper plate member 8 forward when the pivoted front door 6 is rotated forward. The lower storage area 21 is opened.

このように、上皿部材８を下皿部材１９に近接させて、上皿部材８により、滞留領域５３および整流通路５４を遮蔽することにより、下皿部材１９に新規のカバー部材等を設けることなく、下部貯留領域２１の全域を好適に遮蔽することができる。そして、整流通路５４を上方から遮蔽しているため、遊技者が遊技球を移し替える際に誤って零れた遊技球ｘが、整流通路５４に整列した遊技球ｘの上に積み重なって、整流通路５４の遊技球の整列状態が撹乱されることがない。さらに、上皿部材８と下皿部材１９とを近接配置して、両部材間からの下部貯留領域２１への遊技球の投入が不可能となるようにしているため、遊技者によって下部貯留領域２１に過剰の遊技球が補充されて、下部貯留領域２１の貯留状態が不安定となることもない。特に、本実施例にあっては、図５に示すように、下部貯留領域２１が上皿部材８により遮蔽されているため、遊技者は、遊技球ｘを投入すべき場所が上部貯留領域３６であることを直観的に理解できる。また、上皿部材８と下皿部材１９は周縁を一致させるように上下に近接しており、一体物のような外観を呈しているため、遊技者の手による移し替えが不要であることを、視覚的に納得させ得ると共に、統一感のあるデザインを実現できる。さらには、上皿部材８と下皿部材１９が近接し、上部貯留領域３６と下部貯留領域２１を連通する連絡通路３８も短いものとなっているため、上部貯留領域３６から下部貯留領域２１へ速やかに遊技球ｘを流下させることもできる。また、前扉６を開放して上皿部材８を傾動させることにより、遮蔽された下部貯留領域２１を容易に開放可能となっている。このため、下部貯留領域２１で球詰り等が起きた場合に復旧作業が容易であり、また、保守管理も簡単である。 In this way, by placing the upper plate member 8 close to the lower plate member 19 and shielding the stay region 53 and the rectifying passage 54 with the upper plate member 8, a new cover member or the like is provided on the lower plate member 19. The entire lower storage region 21 can be suitably shielded. Since the rectifying passage 54 is shielded from above, the game balls x that have been accidentally spilled when the player moves the game balls are stacked on the gaming balls x aligned with the rectifying passages 54, and the rectifying passages. The alignment state of the 54 game balls is not disturbed. Further, since the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 are arranged close to each other so that the game balls cannot be thrown into the lower storage region 21 from between the two members, the player can lower the lower storage region. An excess of game balls 21 is not replenished to 21 and the storage state of the lower storage region 21 does not become unstable. In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower storage area 21 is shielded by the upper plate member 8, so that the player can place the game ball x in the upper storage area 36. I can understand it intuitively. In addition, the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 are close to each other so as to make the peripheral edges coincide with each other, and have an appearance like an integrated object, so that transfer by the player's hand is unnecessary. It can be visually convinced, and a unified design can be realized. Furthermore, since the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 are close to each other and the communication passage 38 that communicates the upper storage region 36 and the lower storage region 21 is also short, the upper storage region 36 is moved to the lower storage region 21. The game ball x can also flow down promptly. Further, by opening the front door 6 and tilting the upper plate member 8, the shielded lower storage area 21 can be easily opened. For this reason, when a ball clogging or the like occurs in the lower storage area 21, the restoration work is easy, and maintenance management is also easy.

本実施例のスロットマシン１の遊技作動を簡単に説明する。
本実施例のスロットマシン１では、５個の遊技球が賭数一単位を構成するものであり、遊技開始の度に下皿部材１９に貯留されている遊技球を、賭数単位で取り込ませて遊技を行う。本実施例の遊技形態では、一回の遊技に三単位までの賭数を設定可能となっており、この賭数の設定は三つのＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃの操作により行われる。すなわち、ＭＡＸＢＥＴボタン４２ａを操作すると、合計１５個の遊技球が球取込装置５０により遊技機内部に取り込まれ、２ＢＥＴボタン４２ｂを操作すると１０個の遊技球が、１ＢＥＴボタン４２ｃを操作すると５個の遊技球が球取込装置５０に取り込まれることとなる。なお、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの回転中や、既に１５個の遊技球が取り込まれている場合、又は整流通路５４内の遊技球数が不足している場合などには、各ＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃを操作しても無効となり、球取込装置５０は作動しない。 The game operation of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be briefly described.
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, five game balls constitute one unit of bet number, and the game balls stored in the lower plate member 19 are taken in unit of bet number each time the game is started. Play games. In the game form of the present embodiment, up to three bets can be set for one game, and the bet number is set by operating the three BET buttons 42a to 42c. That is, when the MAXBET button 42a is operated, a total of 15 game balls are taken into the game machine by the ball take-in device 50, and when the 2BET button 42b is operated, 10 game balls are operated when the 1BET button 42c is operated. Game balls are taken into the ball take-in device 50. It should be noted that the BET buttons 42a to 42c are rotated when the rotary drums 12a to 12c are rotating, when 15 game balls are already taken in, or when the number of game balls in the rectifying passage 54 is insufficient. Even if is operated, it becomes invalid and the ball take-in device 50 does not operate.

ＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃの操作により、少なくとも賭数一単位分の遊技球が取り込まれるとスタートランプ４０が点灯する。このスタートランプ４０の点灯時にスタートレバー４１を押し下げ操作すると、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃが回転開始する。そして、この回転中に、各ストップボタン４３ａ〜４３ｃを押圧操作すると、その操作タイミングに基づいて、主制御基板１００が図柄Ｐの停止態様を決定し、当該停止態様となるように各ドラムモータを停止させる。そして、回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃが停止した際に、入賞ライン上の図柄Ｐが所定の組合せで揃った場合には「当り」となり、払出装置３１から所定数の遊技球が払い出されたり、遊技者に有利なボーナスゲーム等が実行されることとなる。なお、主制御基板１００により実行される回転ドラム１２ａ〜１２ｃの停止制御機構や、上記ボーナスゲーム等の遊技内容は、公知のスロットマシンと同様にすることが可能である。 The start lamp 40 is turned on when at least one unit of game ball is taken in by operating the BET buttons 42a to 42c. When the start lever 41 is pushed down when the start lamp 40 is lit, the rotating drums 12a to 12c start to rotate. And if each stop button 43a-43c is pressed operation during this rotation, based on the operation timing, the main control board 100 will determine the stop mode of the symbol P, and each drum motor will be set to the said stop mode. Stop. When the rotary drums 12a to 12c are stopped and the symbols P on the winning line are arranged in a predetermined combination, the winning combination is “winning”, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out from the payout device 31 or a game is played. A bonus game or the like advantageous to the user is executed. Note that the stop control mechanism of the rotary drums 12a to 12c executed by the main control board 100 and the game contents such as the bonus game can be the same as those of a known slot machine.

次に、球取込装置５０による遊技球の取込作動について説明する。
ＢＥＴボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃが有効な時に、該ボタン４２ａ〜４２ｃを操作すると、主制御基板１００から取込モータ７２へパルス信号が送られる。取込モータ７２はステップ角が７．５°となっており、受信したパルス信号の数に応じて、図１９中反時計回りにスプロケット７１を回転させる。球取込装置５０は、図１９（イ）のように、スプロケット７１の係止部７３のいずれかを取込口６６に対向する位置を通常状態とするものであり、取込モータ７２は、常に通常状態で停止するように制御される。このため、取込モータ７２の停止時には、整流通路５４内の遊技球ｘは、その下流端部位置で係止部７３により係止されて、取込口６６へ流下不可能となっている。そして、取込モータ７２の停止状態で、主制御基板１００からパルス信号が送られて、取込モータ７２が通常状態からスプロケット７１を図１９中反時計回りに６０°回転させると、図１９（イ）〜（ハ）に示すように、その凹部７０が取込口６６と対向し、凹部７０内に整流通路５４内の遊技球ｘが一つ収容される。そして、スプロケット７１をさらに６０°回転させると、図１９（ハ）〜（ホ）に示すように、別の係止部７３が整流通路５４の出口と対向し再び通常状態となると共に、遊技球ｘを収容した凹部７０は、右側方の取込球排出路４９の入口と対向し、凹部７０に収容した遊技球ｘは、取込球排出路４９に流入し、取込球検知スイッチ７７に検出された後、取付パネル３３の背面側へと案内されて、遊技島の球回収装置へと排出されることとなる。 Next, a game ball taking-in operation by the ball taking-in device 50 will be described.
When the BET buttons 42 a to 42 c are valid and the buttons 42 a to 42 c are operated, a pulse signal is sent from the main control board 100 to the take-in motor 72. The take-in motor 72 has a step angle of 7.5 ° and rotates the sprocket 71 counterclockwise in FIG. 19 according to the number of received pulse signals. As shown in FIG. 19 (A), the ball take-in device 50 has a position where one of the locking portions 73 of the sprocket 71 is opposed to the take-in port 66 in a normal state. It is controlled to always stop in a normal state. For this reason, when the take-in motor 72 is stopped, the game ball x in the rectifying passage 54 is locked by the lock portion 73 at the downstream end position and cannot flow down to the take-in port 66. Then, when the take-in motor 72 is stopped and a pulse signal is sent from the main control board 100 and the take-in motor 72 rotates the sprocket 71 60 ° counterclockwise in FIG. 19 from the normal state, FIG. As shown in (a) to (c), the recess 70 faces the intake port 66, and one game ball x in the rectifying passage 54 is accommodated in the recess 70. When the sprocket 71 is further rotated by 60 °, as shown in FIGS. 19 (C) to 19 (E), another locking portion 73 is opposed to the outlet of the rectifying passage 54 and becomes a normal state again. The recess 70 that accommodates x faces the entrance of the right-hand intake ball discharge path 49, and the game ball x that is accommodated in the recess 70 flows into the intake ball discharge path 49 and enters the intake ball detection switch 77. After being detected, it will be guided to the back side of the mounting panel 33 and discharged to the ball collection device on the game island.

このように、本実施例にかかる球取込装置５０は、スプロケット７１を通常状態から図１９中反時計回りに１２０°回転させることにより、整流通路５４の先頭に位置する遊技球ｘ一個を凹部７０に収容し、続く遊技球ｘの流下を係止部７３で阻止しつつ、該遊技球ｘを取込球排出路４９へ排出する。従って、本実施例のスロットマシン１では、遊技者が１ＢＥＴボタンを操作して、賭数一単位（遊技球５個）の取込みを要求した場合には、主制御基板１００は、スプロケットを上記方向に６００°（１２０°×５個）回転させるように取込モータ７２にパルス信号を送信し、取込口６６から５個（一単位）の遊技球を取り込ませる。同様に、主制御基板１００は、２ＢＥＴボタン４２ｂが操作された際には１２００°（１２０°×１０個）、ＭＡＸＢＥＴボタン４２ａが操作された際には１８００°（１２０°×１５個）回転させるように、取込モータ７２に制御信号を送信し、整流通路５４から１０個（二単位）、１５個（三単位）の遊技球を取り込ませる。なお、本実施形態では、取込モータ７２の作動中（取込動作中）以外に取込球検知スイッチ７７が遊技球ｘを検出しても、主制御基板１００は、当該遊技球ｘを取り込んだ遊技球として計数せず、無効としている。 As described above, the ball take-in device 50 according to the present embodiment has the sprocket 71 rotated from the normal state by 120 ° counterclockwise in FIG. 19, so that one gaming ball x located at the head of the rectifying passage 54 is recessed. The game ball x is discharged into the take-in ball discharge path 49 while being stopped by the locking portion 73. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the player operates the 1BET button and requests to take one unit of bet (5 game balls), the main control board 100 moves the sprocket in the above direction. Then, a pulse signal is transmitted to the take-in motor 72 so as to be rotated by 600 ° (120 ° × 5 pieces), and five (one unit) game balls are taken in from the take-in port 66. Similarly, the main control board 100 rotates 1200 ° (120 ° × 10) when the 2BET button 42b is operated, and 1800 ° (120 ° × 15) when the MAXBET button 42a is operated. As described above, a control signal is transmitted to the take-in motor 72, and 10 (two units) and 15 (three units) game balls are taken in from the rectifying passage 54. In the present embodiment, even if the take-in ball detection switch 77 detects the game ball x other than during the operation of the take-in motor 72 (during the take-in operation), the main control board 100 takes in the game ball x. It is not counted as a game ball and is invalid.

次に、遊技作動に伴う上部貯留領域３６及び下部貯留領域２１の遊技球の貯留態様や、連絡通路３８の遊技球の流下態様について説明する。
入賞ライン上の図柄Ｐが所定の組合せで揃い「当り」となった場合や、カード操作部２８の球貸ボタンを押圧操作した場合に、払出装置３１は、主制御基板１００からの制御信号に従って所定数の遊技球を下方に払い出し、払い出された遊技球は、球供給通路１７を流下して、球供給口３５から上部貯留領域３６に流入する。ここで、下部貯留領域２１に遊技球ｘを受け入れる余裕がある場合には、上部貯留領域３６に流入した遊技球ｘは、図８，９に示すように、連絡通路３８に流入して、下部貯留領域２１へと流下して、整流通路５４に整列した後、上述したように、球取込装置５０に取り込まれて、取込球排出路４９を介して遊技島に排出されることとなる。 Next, the storage mode of the game balls in the upper storage area 36 and the lower storage area 21 accompanying the game operation and the flow-down mode of the game balls in the communication passage 38 will be described.
When the symbols P on the pay line are aligned in a predetermined combination and become “winning”, or when the ball lending button of the card operation unit 28 is pressed, the payout device 31 follows the control signal from the main control board 100. A predetermined number of game balls are paid out downward, and the paid-out game balls flow down the ball supply passage 17 and flow into the upper storage area 36 from the ball supply port 35. Here, when the lower storage area 21 has a room for receiving the game ball x, the game ball x that has flowed into the upper storage area 36 flows into the communication passage 38 as shown in FIGS. After flowing down to the storage area 21 and aligned with the rectifying passage 54, as described above, it is taken into the ball take-in device 50 and discharged to the game island through the take-in ball discharge path 49. .

一方、ボーナスゲームが実行されるなどして、払出装置３１から多量の遊技球が払い出され、下部貯留領域２１が遊技球ｘで満杯となった場合には、連絡通路３８の流出口９２から遊技球ｘが流出不可能となり、連絡通路３８が閉塞されて、払出装置３１から払い出された遊技球は、上部貯留領域３６に貯留されることとなる。すなわち、図１２に示したように、下部貯留領域２１が満杯となって、連絡通路３８に滞留した遊技球ｘが待機領域９９に侵入すると、満杯作動部材９４が、かかる遊技球ｘに押圧されて傾動し、これに合わせて、開閉部材９３が閉鎖位置ｂに傾動し、遊技球ｘが流下しないように連絡通路３８を閉鎖する。かかる状態では、上部貯留領域３６に貯留される遊技球ｘは、連絡通路３８内において、開閉部材９３により、下方への流下を阻止されているため、上部貯留領域３６の遊技球が連絡通路３８を流下しようとする球圧が、下方の下部貯留領域２１の遊技球に加わることない。 On the other hand, when a large amount of game balls are paid out from the payout device 31 due to the execution of a bonus game or the like, and the lower storage area 21 is filled with the game balls x, from the outlet 92 of the communication passage 38. The game ball x cannot flow out, the communication passage 38 is blocked, and the game ball paid out from the payout device 31 is stored in the upper storage area 36. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, when the lower storage area 21 is full and the game ball x staying in the communication passage 38 enters the standby area 99, the full operation member 94 is pressed by the game ball x. In accordance with this, the opening / closing member 93 is tilted to the closed position b, and the communication passage 38 is closed so that the game ball x does not flow down. In this state, the game balls x stored in the upper storage area 36 are prevented from flowing downward by the opening / closing member 93 in the communication passage 38, so that the game balls in the upper storage area 36 are connected to the communication passage 38. Is not applied to the game balls in the lower storage area 21 below.

また、遊技球ｘが取込口６６から取り込まれたり、球抜口８０，８２から排出されて、満杯であった下部貯留領域２１に遊技球ｘを受け入れる余裕ができた場合には、満杯作動部材９４の定常位置ｃへの復帰に伴って、開閉部材９３が開放位置ａへ傾動し、連絡通路３８が開放されることにより、上部貯留領域３６の遊技球ｘが、連絡通路３８を介して、下部貯留領域２１に補充されることとなる。なお、多量の遊技球ｘが払い出され、上部貯留領域３６も満杯となった場合には、上部貯留領域３６に流入不可能となり、球供給口３５の奥に滞留した遊技球によって満タンスイッチ４８がＯＮ作動する。そして、このＯＮ作動により、主制御基板１００は、遊技球ｘを払い出すスペースがなくなったと判断し、球取込装置５０を強制的に停止させて、遊技を続行不可能とすることにより、遊技者に貯留された遊技球ｘの排出を促す。このため、遊技者は、遊技の中断を防ぐため、上部貯留領域３６が満杯となる前に、上述の球抜操作具２０を移動操作することにより、第一球抜口８０を開放し、下部貯留領域２１から遊技球ｘを排出しなくてはならない。 In addition, when the game ball x is taken in from the intake port 66 or discharged from the ball outlets 80 and 82 and the lower storage area 21 that is full has room to accept the game ball x, the full operation is performed. With the return of the member 94 to the steady position c, the opening / closing member 93 tilts to the open position a and the communication passage 38 is opened, whereby the game ball x in the upper storage area 36 passes through the communication passage 38. The lower storage area 21 will be replenished. When a large amount of game balls x are paid out and the upper storage area 36 becomes full, it becomes impossible to flow into the upper storage area 36, and the game ball staying in the back of the ball supply port 35 is filled. 48 is turned ON. By this ON operation, the main control board 100 determines that there is no space for paying out the game ball x, forcibly stops the ball take-in device 50, and the game cannot be continued. The player is encouraged to discharge the stored game balls x. For this reason, in order to prevent the game from being interrupted, the player opens the first ball outlet 80 by moving the above-described ball pulling operation tool 20 before the upper storage area 36 is full, The game ball x must be discharged from the storage area 21.

ここで、下部貯留領域２１に貯留される遊技球ｘが不足した場合には、遊技者は、遊技球ｘを下部貯留領域２１に補充しなくてはならない。この場合、遊技者は、上皿部材８の前面に設けられた前記球貸ボタン２６の操作により、所定個数単位の遊技球を貸球として払出装置３１に払い出させるよう指示することができる。かかる際には、払出装置３１が払い出した遊技球ｘは上部貯留領域３６へ一旦流入し、連絡通路３８を介して下部貯留領域２１に補充されることとなる。また、遊技機外に載置された球箱に遊技球が貯留されている場合には、この遊技球を下部貯留領域２１に補充することもできる。ここで、上述したように、上皿部材８と下皿部材１９の間の間隙ｇは、遊技球ｘの径より狭幅となっており、遊技者は、遊技球ｘを下部貯留領域２１へ直接補充することはできない。このため、かかる際には、遊技球を上部貯留領域３６へ投入して、連絡通路３８を介して、下部貯留領域２１へ遊技球を補充する。 Here, when the game balls x stored in the lower storage area 21 are insufficient, the player must replenish the lower storage area 21 with the game balls x. In this case, the player can instruct the payout device 31 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as balls by operating the ball lending button 26 provided on the front surface of the upper plate member 8. In such a case, the game ball x paid out by the payout device 31 once flows into the upper storage area 36 and is replenished to the lower storage area 21 through the communication passage 38. Further, when a game ball is stored in a ball box placed outside the game machine, the lower storage area 21 can be supplemented with this game ball. Here, as described above, the gap g between the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 is narrower than the diameter of the game ball x, and the player moves the game ball x to the lower storage area 21. It cannot be replenished directly. For this reason, in such a case, the game balls are thrown into the upper storage area 36, and the game balls are replenished to the lower storage area 21 via the communication passage 38.

このように、本実施例のスロットマシン１では、下皿部材１９が遊技球で満杯となった場合に、下皿部材１９の上方に設けられた上皿部材８の上部貯留領域３６に遊技球ｘが貯留される。そして、この上部貯留領域３６に貯留した遊技球ｘは、自動的に連絡通路３８を介して流下して下部貯留領域２１に補充されるため、遊技者が、遊技球を移し替える手間が少なくて済む。特に、上部貯留領域３６に遊技球を貯留する場合には、連絡通路３８を開閉部材９３により閉塞しているため、上部貯留領域３６の遊技球の球圧が下部貯留領域２１に加わることがなく、上部貯留領域３６に遊技球を多量に貯留した場合でも、下部貯留領域２１の遊技球を、上方からの球圧によって溢れさせたり、詰まらせたりすることなく、安定して貯留することができる。そして、下部貯留領域２１を上皿部材８で遮蔽して、遊技球は、全て連絡通路３８を介して下部貯留領域２１へ補充するようにしているため、下部貯留領域２１の遊技球は常に適正量で抑えられることとなる。従って、本実施例では、整流通路５４に設けられた整列球検知スイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃによって、球取込装置５０に取り込む前に、取込みに必要な遊技球数が貯留されているか否かの確認を行っているが、下部貯留領域２１の貯留状態が安定であり、整流通路５４に常時安定した状態で遊技球を整列させることができるため、整列球検知スイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃによって、整流通路５４に整列した遊技球の数を正確に確認することが可能である。 Thus, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the lower plate member 19 is filled with game balls, the game ball is placed in the upper storage area 36 of the upper plate member 8 provided above the lower plate member 19. x is stored. Since the game balls x stored in the upper storage area 36 automatically flow down through the communication passage 38 and are replenished to the lower storage area 21, there is less time for the player to transfer the game balls. That's it. In particular, when a game ball is stored in the upper storage area 36, the communication passage 38 is closed by the opening / closing member 93, so that the ball pressure of the game ball in the upper storage area 36 is not applied to the lower storage area 21. Even when a large amount of game balls are stored in the upper storage area 36, the game balls in the lower storage area 21 can be stably stored without overflowing or clogging with the ball pressure from above. . Since the lower storage area 21 is shielded by the upper plate member 8 and all the game balls are replenished to the lower storage area 21 via the communication passage 38, the game balls in the lower storage area 21 are always appropriate. It will be suppressed by the amount. Therefore, in this embodiment, the alignment ball detection switches 75a to 75c provided in the rectifying passage 54 are used to check whether or not the number of game balls required for taking-in is stored before being taken into the ball take-in device 50. Although the storage state of the lower storage region 21 is stable and the game balls can be aligned with the rectifying passage 54 in a stable state at all times, the alignment balls are aligned with the rectifying passage 54 by the alignment ball detection switches 75a to 75c. It is possible to accurately confirm the number of played balls.

尚、本発明のスロットマシンは、上述した実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲内において種々変更を加え得ることは勿論である。例えば、下皿部材１９や上皿部材８は、前扉６や取付パネル３３を介して、遊技機本体３の前面に取り付けられているが、前枠４や裏機構板５に対して、直接取り付けることもできる。また、球抜口８０，８２にあっても、二箇所に設ける必要はなく、一箇所でも構わないし、球抜操作手段も多様に変更可能である。さらに、球取込装置５０に関しても、スプロケット７１と取込モータ７２からなる構成に限らず、取込モータ７２に替えてソレノイドを使用するなど、既知の球取込装置の構成を好適に用いることが可能であり、また、球取込装置５０の設置位置も取込口６６の直下に限らず、取付パネル３３の背面側に設けることも可能である。さらに、上記スロットマシン１では、遊技球５個を賭数一単位とし、遊技球を常に５個単位で取り込んでいるが、取り込む遊技球の数は適宜変更可能である。 The slot machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the lower plate member 19 and the upper plate member 8 are attached to the front surface of the gaming machine body 3 via the front door 6 and the mounting panel 33, but directly to the front frame 4 and the back mechanism plate 5. It can also be attached. In addition, the ball outlets 80 and 82 do not need to be provided at two locations, and may be provided at one location, and the ball extraction operation means can be variously changed. Further, the ball take-in device 50 is not limited to the configuration including the sprocket 71 and the take-in motor 72, and preferably uses a known ball take-in device configuration such as using a solenoid instead of the take-in motor 72. In addition, the installation position of the ball take-in device 50 is not limited to the position immediately below the take-in port 66, and can be provided on the back side of the mounting panel 33. Further, in the slot machine 1, five game balls are used as one unit for betting, and game balls are always fetched in units of five. However, the number of game balls to be fetched can be changed as appropriate.

また、実施例では、上皿部材８により、下部貯留領域２１の全域を上方から遮蔽しているが、本発明は、下部貯留領域２１の全域に限らず、少なくとも整流通路５４が上皿部材８により上方から遮蔽されているだけでも構わない。また、下部貯留領域と外方とを連通する間隙ｇが遊技球の直径よりも狭くなっており、遊技者が遊技球を下部貯留領域２１に投入不可能としているが、必ずしも投入不可能とする必要はなく、遊技者が投入困難な程度であってもよいし、上皿部材８と下皿部材１９とが分離可能な程度であれば、両皿部材を部分的に接触させることも可能である。さらに、整列球検知手段は、整流通路５４に設けた三つの整列球検知スイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃにより構成しているが、整列球検知スイッチの数や配置は、取り込む遊技球の数に応じて適宜変更し得るものであり、また、整列球検知スイッチ７５ａ〜７５ｃに替えて、既知の遊技球検知機構を好適に用いることもできる。 Further, in the embodiment, the entire area of the lower storage region 21 is shielded from above by the upper plate member 8, but the present invention is not limited to the entire region of the lower storage region 21, and at least the rectifying passage 54 is the upper plate member 8. It may be only shielded from above by the above. Further, the gap g that communicates the lower storage area and the outside is narrower than the diameter of the game ball, and the player cannot enter the game ball into the lower storage area 21, but it is not always possible to do so. It is not necessary and may be such that it is difficult for the player to put it in, and if the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 are separable, both plate members can be partially brought into contact with each other. is there. Further, the alignment ball detection means is constituted by three alignment ball detection switches 75a to 75c provided in the rectifying passage 54, but the number and arrangement of the alignment ball detection switches are appropriately changed according to the number of game balls to be taken in. In addition, a known game ball detection mechanism can be suitably used in place of the alignment ball detection switches 75a to 75c.

スロットマシン１の正面図である。2 is a front view of the slot machine 1. FIG. スロットマシン１の平面図である。2 is a plan view of the slot machine 1. FIG. スロットマシン１の背面図である。2 is a rear view of the slot machine 1. FIG. 遊技を制御する制御回路を示すブロック回路図である。It is a block circuit diagram which shows the control circuit which controls a game. 上皿部材８及び下皿部材１９の斜視図である。4 is a perspective view of an upper plate member 8 and a lower plate member 19. FIG. 上皿部材８及び下皿部材１９の分解斜視図である。FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19. 上皿部材８及び下皿部材１９の正面図である。FIG. 6 is a front view of an upper plate member 8 and a lower plate member 19. 前面の装飾を省略して、上部貯留領域３６及び下部貯留領域２１、連絡通路３８を示す上皿部材８及び下皿部材１９の正面図である。FIG. 6 is a front view of the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19 showing the upper storage region 36, the lower storage region 21, and the communication passage 38, omitting the front decoration. 上皿部材８及び下皿部材１９の右側面図である。FIG. 6 is a right side view of the upper plate member 8 and the lower plate member 19. 上皿部材８の平面図である。4 is a plan view of the upper plate member 8. FIG. 図１０中のＡ−Ａ断面図である。It is AA sectional drawing in FIG. 図１１中のＢ部分を拡大して、連絡通路３８の遊技球ｘの流下態様を示す説明図（イ），（ロ）である。FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram (A) and (B) showing a flow-down mode of the game ball x in the communication passage 38 by enlarging a portion B in FIG. 11. 満杯作動部材９４及び開閉部材９３の連係態様を示す斜視図（イ），（ロ）である。It is a perspective view (I) and (B) which show the cooperation mode of the full operation member 94 and the opening-and-closing member 93. 下皿部材１９の平面図である。4 is a plan view of the lower plate member 19. FIG. 図１４中のＣ−Ｃ断面図である。It is CC sectional drawing in FIG. 取込球排出路４９及び第二球抜通路５２ｂを開放して、遊技球ｘの流路を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the flow path of the game ball x by opening the intake ball discharge path 49 and the second ball extraction path 52b. 取込球排出路４９、球抜通路５２ａ，５２ｂ等の配置関係を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of the taking-in ball | bowl discharge path 49, the ball extraction passages 52a and 52b. 球抜口８０，８２の各開閉状態での、球抜操作具２０や第一開閉蓋８１、第二開閉蓋８３等の位置関係を示す説明図（イ）〜（ハ）である。It is explanatory drawing (a)-(c) which shows the positional relationship of the ball extraction operation tool 20, the 1st opening / closing lid 81, the 2nd opening / closing lid 83, etc. in each opening / closing state of the ball extraction openings 80 and 82. 取込口６６近傍の左側断面を拡大し、球取込装置５０の作動を示す説明図（イ）〜（ホ）である。It is explanatory drawing (i)-(e) which expands the left side cross section near the intake port 66, and shows the action | operation of the ball | bowl uptake apparatus 50. FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１スロットマシン
２外枠
３遊技機本体
８上皿部材
１９下皿部材
２１下部貯留領域
３１払出装置
３５球供給口
３６上部貯留領域
３８連絡通路
５０球取込装置
５３滞留領域
５４整流通路
６６取込口
７５ａ〜７５ｃ整列球検知スイッチ（整列球検知手段）
ｇ間隙
ｘ遊技球 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Outer frame 3 Game machine main body 8 Upper plate member 19 Lower plate member 21 Lower storage area 31 Dispensing device 35 Ball supply port 36 Upper storage area 38 Connection path 50 Ball intake apparatus 53 Retention area 54 Rectification path 66 Intake Mouth 75a-75c Alignment sphere detection switch (Alignment sphere detection means)
g Gap x Game ball

Claims

遊技島に起立状に配設される外枠と、該外枠の前面開口部を覆う遊技機本体とからなり、パチンコ機用の遊技球を遊技媒体とするスロットマシンにおいて、
遊技機本体の前面に設けられ、遊技球を貯留する上方に開放した上部貯留領域を有する上皿部材と、
該上皿部材の下方に設けられ、遊技球を貯留する下部貯留領域を有する下皿部材と、
遊技球を上部貯留領域へ払い出す払出装置と、
上部貯留領域の遊技球を下部貯留領域へ流下させる連絡通路と、
下皿部材に形成され、下部貯留領域の遊技球が流出する取込口と、
該取込口と連通し、遊技開始に必要な数の遊技球を、下部貯留領域から取り込む球取込装置と
を備え、
下部貯留領域を、連絡通路から遊技球が流入して滞留する滞留領域と、滞留領域の遊技球が流入して整列する細長形状の整流通路とに区画して、
該整流通路の下流端部位置に取込口を形成し、
整流通路に所定数以上の遊技球が整列しているか否かを検知する整列球検知手段を設け、
さらに、上皿部材と下皿部材とを、該両部材間からの下部貯留領域への遊技球の投入を不可能とする程度に近接配置して、下部貯留領域の全域を上皿部材により上方から遮蔽すると共に、
遊技機本体の前面を覆うように枢着された前扉の前面に上皿部材を取り付け、
前扉の直下で遊技機本体の前面下部を覆うように、下皿部材が固定された取付パネルを取り付けることにより、前扉を前方に回動すると、下皿部材の下部貯留領域が開放されるようにしたことを特徴とするスロットマシン。 In a slot machine comprising an outer frame arranged upright on a game island and a gaming machine main body covering a front opening of the outer frame, and using a game ball for a pachinko machine as a gaming medium,
An upper plate member provided on the front surface of the gaming machine main body and having an upper storage area opened upward for storing game balls;
A lower plate member provided below the upper plate member and having a lower storage region for storing game balls;
A payout device for paying out game balls to the upper storage area;
A communication passage that causes the game balls in the upper storage area to flow down to the lower storage area;
An intake port formed in the lower plate member and from which the game ball in the lower storage area flows out,
A ball take-in device that communicates with the take-in port and takes in as many game balls as necessary for starting the game from the lower storage area;
The lower storage area is divided into a stay area where game balls flow from the communication passage and stays there, and an elongated rectifying passage where game balls in the stay area flow and align,
An intake port is formed at the downstream end position of the rectifying passage ;
An alignment ball detection means for detecting whether or not a predetermined number or more of game balls are aligned in the rectifying passage,
Further, the upper plate member and the lower plate member are arranged close enough to make it impossible to put the game ball into the lower storage region from between the two members, and the entire upper storage member is moved upward by the upper plate member. While shielding from
Attach an upper plate member to the front of the front door pivotally attached to cover the front of the gaming machine body,
When the front door is rotated forward by attaching a mounting panel to which the lower plate member is fixed so as to cover the lower part of the front surface of the gaming machine main body directly under the front door, the lower storage area of the lower plate member is opened. A slot machine characterized by doing so .